I shared my views based on the experiences on diplomatic solutions through a video conference with Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi against the backdrop of the conflict between Indo-Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley of East Ladakh.

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During my tenure as the Defence Minister of India, I had visited China and signed a Peace and Tranquillity Agreement with China. The agreement of 1993 was the first peace effort after 1962 Indo-China War.

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Both the countries have continued to respect the terms of Understanding, barring some incidents on a minor scale as compared to this incident. I shared my views with Hon'ble PM on the basis of my past experience in dealing with border issues and with the information available.

In the last three decades, China with its Armed Forces has quietly strengthened its position on the 4000 Km LAC ( Line of Actual Control ). They have particularly focused on enlarging and strengthening in the Eastern Ladakh sector.

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#GalwanValley

The road connecting Dubruk to DBO is entirely on the Indian side of LAC. It is crucial for India, as DBO is an advanced landing ground & provides an airfield for the Air Force to quickly respond to any emergency.

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DBO is also important as it further links to Karakoram Pass & on the left the Siachin Glacier.

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The Chinese Army occupying high ground in Glawan Valley is essentially with the specific objective of dominating the Dubruk-DBO Road on the Indian Side. Chinese troops can at any time decide to force closure of this road which would be at heavy military cost to India.

PLA must be evacuated from occupying high ground in Galwan Valley on the Indian side. If we want PLA to evacuate from Galwan, compulsory measures are required. It would be advisable to strategize using diplomatic channels to difuse tension on the border & make China see reason.