From Disengagement to Deterrence at the LAC: An Indian Military Perspective

Introduction: The Road to a Secure LAC.

This essay presents the Indian military’s perspective, based on the views of former Lieutenant Generals in the India media, on the recent disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It suggests that this disengagement is a key step in India’s journey towards strong deterrence, combining military readiness with diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and stability along this important border.

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China has long been a place of military and diplomatic tension. This border, running through some of the most challenging mountainous terrain, presents unique difficulties for maintaining order and peace. In recent years, increased disputes in eastern Ladakh have highlighted the need for a robust, deterrent-oriented strategy to prevent future conflicts. This essay explores India’s journey from military disengagement along the LAC to developing a solid and lasting deterrence framework. With enhanced infrastructure, multi-domain defence capabilities, and diplomatic initiatives, India is actively strengthening its security approach along the LAC to prepare for any potential threats from China​.

The Recent History of Disengagement

Following the tense standoff and tragic clash at the Galwan Valley in June of 2020, the need for disengagement became evident to ease border conflicts. By October of 2024, India and China agreed to a phased disengagement process at the Depsang Plains and Demchok, allowing both countries to restore positions to pre-2020 levels. This agreement saw the removal of temporary military structures like tents and prefabricated shelters, and the withdrawal of troops to avoid escalation. These steps, including the resumption of joint patrols, aimed at building trust and reducing hostilities​.

This disengagement, however, is more than a mere troop withdrawal. It represents a concerted effort to restore communication and trust. Regular commander-level meetings were set up to oversee the disengagement process, fostering a collaborative approach to maintain peace. The move is seen as a critical part of reducing immediate tensions along the LAC while allowing for diplomatic dialogues to take precedence over military confrontations​.

Transition from Defensive to Deterrent Strategy

In recent years, India’s military strategy at the LAC has evolved significantly. Initially, India focused on “defensive deterrence,” which positioned forces primarily to defend against incursions. Now, however, the strategy has shifted to what is called “dissuasive deterrence,” which involves capabilities to respond decisively to any acts of aggression. The goal of dissuasive deterrence is to impose substantial costs on any intruder, making them think twice before engaging in conflict​.

This change reflects India’s commitment to not only safeguarding its territory but also actively discouraging any acts of aggression. By bolstering its defensive posture, India seeks to present a formidable front that prevents future conflicts. The Indian Army has increased its offensive capacities and deployed new divisions along the northeastern borders to maintain a balance of power with China. This evolution in posture highlights India’s goal to proactively manage security threats at the LAC​.

Infrastructure Development: A Backbone for Swift Response

One of the main pillars of India’s deterrence strategy is improving infrastructure along the LAC. This involves constructing 73 strategic roads, a project that began in 2006. Though progress has been gradual, these roads have significantly enhanced India’s capability to quickly move troops and supplies to vital areas. Enhanced road networks and forward airbases allow India to mobilise forces rapidly, making it better prepared to handle any threats along the LAC​.

Beyond road construction, India has focused on building tunnels, ammunition depots, and other logistical support facilities, ensuring that its forces remain well-supplied even in remote locations. Such advancements in infrastructure form an essential component of a solid deterrent posture and give India the flexibility to respond to potential confrontations effectively. Improved infrastructure thus serves both as a defensive measure and a contributor to India’s broader deterrence strategy​.

Multi-Domain Deterrence: Air and Naval Superiority

India’s deterrence strategy encompasses more than just land forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has strategically positioned advanced fighter jets, such as the Rafale, along the northern borders to maximise India’s air superiority in the high-altitude regions of Tibet. This positioning allows the IAF to respond quickly to any potential threats from China, providing vital air coverage across the LAC. The presence of advanced fighter jets serves as a powerful deterrent that China must factor into its own military calculations​.

Similarly, the Indian Navy’s operations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) are critical to India’s multi-domain approach. China’s naval ambitions are met with logistical challenges in the IOR, while India, with its established bases and proximity to the region, holds strategic advantages. The Indian Navy’s vigilant presence deters potential encroachments, securing critical trade and security pathways. By combining these air and naval strengths, India’s deterrence capabilities are comprehensive and well-rounded, extending across multiple domains​.

Technological Advancements: Building a Modern Military

To stay ahead of potential threats, India has invested heavily in modernising its military. Technological advancements in areas such as cyber and space warfare, missile systems, and unmanned vehicles have become integral to India’s strategy for deterrence. Cybersecurity, space surveillance, and AI-enhanced systems give India a significant advantage in countering China’s extensive military capabilities. The Army Design Bureau and reforms in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) drive innovation in defence technology, bridging technological gaps and establishing a resilient force​.

India’s commitment to advancing technology in defence emphasises its readiness to protect the LAC against both traditional and unconventional threats. By harnessing these new technologies, India builds a layered approach to security, adding depth to its defensive strategies. As India continues to develop cutting-edge capabilities, its military deterrent grows stronger, making it a formidable force capable of safeguarding national interests​.

Addressing the Trust Deficit through Confidence-Building Measures

In addition to enhancing military capabilities, India has actively engaged in confidence-building measures (CBMs) with China to rebuild mutual trust. These measures include protocols for open communication, regular dialogues, and joint patrolling practices to maintain order along the LAC. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has underscored the need for restoring trust as a step toward normalising the situation along the LAC. The phased approach to disengagement, followed by structured border management, exemplifies India’s commitment to building a stable relationship with China​.

The recent disengagement at Depsang Plains and Demchok underscores the effectiveness of CBMs in managing tensions. Clear communication and transparency can help both countries avoid unnecessary conflicts and pave the way for more enduring peace along the border. These measures show how diplomatic engagement can complement military deterrence, ensuring a balanced approach to border security​.

Confronting the Two-Front Challenge

India’s security concerns are not limited to China; the potential for a two-front conflict involving both China and Pakistan presents unique challenges. Given the geographical locations of these countries, Indian forces must prepare for the possibility of coordinated aggression from both sides. The Indian Army has responded by developing flexible strategies that allow for the rapid redeployment of forces between the western and northern fronts, enabling India to be ready for any dual threats​.

For example, India has realigned 1 Corps to the northern front to enhance its response to potential threats from China. This flexibility in redeploying forces ensures that India can maintain security across multiple borders. By combining military readiness with strategic foresight, India is prepared to counter potential aggression from both China and Pakistan, further solidifying its deterrence framework​.

Strategic Insights on India’s Geopolitical Role

India’s role in the global geopolitical landscape has grown, especially in the context of power dynamics with China. While the United States remains a significant superpower, China’s rise as an economic and military power presents new challenges, particularly along the LAC. The power differential between India and China underlines the importance of a solid military posture for India to secure peace. As observed, confidence-building measures alone cannot guarantee peace, as evidenced by past breaches at Doklam and Galwan​.

India’s balanced approach between diplomacy and military strength reflects its position as a potential stabiliser in Asia. Rather than relying solely on CBMs, India’s strategic stance ensures that it is not solely dependent on diplomatic goodwill. A balanced strategy grounded in strong military capabilities provides India with a credible position in the multipolar dynamics of Asia, strengthening its role as a global balancer​.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH