Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday reached Ladakh to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness amid the continuing border row with China.

Army Chief General MM Naravane is on a two-day visit to Ladakh to assess operational preparedness as the military tussle with China in the region continues with no final resolution to the tensions that started in May last year.

A day before the visit, General MM Naravane asserted that incidents like face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops will take place till there is a boundary agreement between the two countries.

Discussing China, General MM Naravane said,”We have an outstanding border issue. We are again well-prepared to meet any misadventure that may occur as we have demonstrated in the past.”

“Such kinds of incidents will continue to occur till such time that a long-term solution is reached, and that is to have a boundary agreement. And that should be the thrust of our efforts so that we have lasting peace along the northern (China) border,” General MM Naravane said.

As of now, disengagement has taken place in Galwan, Gogra and Pangong Tso. The Hot Springs area around PP 15 still remains tense.

There have been 12 rounds of Corps Commander level military talks between India and China but a breakthrough to ensure de-induction of troops for a enhanced deployment by both sides has not happened.

India has insisted that Depsang and Demchok also be seen as friction areas in light of the ongoing military standoff but China remains rigid in its stance on Depsang and Demchok. This is one of the key reasons why the Chinese have not even discussed other areas in eastern Ladakh apart from the ones that emerged as friction points during the military standoff last year.