Srinagar: Amid a tense stand-off with China in eastern Ladakh, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has told the Indian Air Force (IAF) to remain in a state of readiness at a short notice, Indian defence news reported Thursday.
The report said that in the first major meeting of the Air Force commanders after the Galwan clash, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a strong message to the forces and asked them to ‘be ready at a short notice’. Rajnath, the report said made these remarks during the inaugural session of the Air Force Commander’s Conference being held in New Delhi.
The Defense Minister praised the readiness of the Indian Air Force and the steps being taken by the Air Force to protect the borders.
“Addressed the inaugural session of the Air Force Commander’s Conference today. IAF’s role in some of the most challenging circumstances is well regarded by the nation. Their contribution during the nation’s response to COVID-19 pandemic has been highly praiseworthy,” Rajnath posted on his Twitter handle.
According to the report, an action plan to increase the operational capacity of the Indian Air Force in the next decade will also be discussed in the conference. The deployment of Rafale was discussed before the arrival of Rafale fighter jet on 29 July, which can be used for operations in Ladakh, the report added.
‘Sincerely Work’ On Disengagement: India to China
Meanwhile India on Thursday said it expected China to “sincerely work” with it for complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquility in their border areas, as a fresh round of bilateral diplomatic talks is likely to be held on Friday to push forward the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh.
At an online media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs(MEA )Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also asserted that the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the Line of Control(LAC) is the basis of India’s bilateral ties with China.
He said another round of diplomatic talks under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) is expected to be scheduled soon.
People familiar with the developments said the diplomatic talks are likely to take place as early as Friday and its main focus would be to expedite the disengagement of troops from Pangong Tso and some other friction points in eastern Ladakh.
They said the disengagement process has not moved forward as expected following the last round of Corps Commander-level talks on July 14 which lasted for around 15 hours.
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