by Pratamesh Mendki 14 September 2023
On September 12, India officially opened approximately 90 infrastructure projects along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, including the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Eastern Ladakh. The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground will eventually surpass all other airfields in height. India’s position on the LAC is now more solid than ever. India is prepared to take necessary steps to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Rajnath Singh, India’s defence minister, also dedicated two helipads, 22 roads, and 63 bridges near the border areas, along the LAC, in addition to these two projects. Singh laid the groundwork for and inaugurated the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)’s infrastructure projects during a ceremony on September 12 in Jammu. The projects, totalling more than Rs 2,900 crore ($350 million), were dispersed across 11 states and Union Territories.
36 of these projects are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 are in Ladakh, 11 are in Jammu & Kashmir, 11 are in Jammu & Kashmir, 5 are in Mizoram, 3 are in Himachal Pradesh, 2 are in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, and 1 is in each of Nagaland, Rajasthan, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Roads are being built by the BRO on India’s border in order to improve border infrastructure and guarantee the military’s flawless access in forward locations.
In Eastern Ladakh, the foundation stone for the Nyoma Airfield was also essentially placed by the defence minister. This airstrip, which would cost around Rs 200 crore ($24 million), will improve the IAF’s capabilities along the northern border and enhance the air infrastructure in Ladakh.
India’s stand on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has strengthened over a period of time in a number of ways.
- Military modernization: India has significantly increased its military spending in recent years, and has deployed new weapons and systems along the LAC. This has given India a stronger deterrent against any Chinese aggression.
- Strategic partnerships: India has strengthened its strategic partnerships with other countries in the region, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia. These partnerships provide India with political and military support in the event of a conflict with China.
- Diplomacy: India has been active in diplomacy with China, both bilaterally and multilaterally. India has also raised the issue of the LAC at international forums such as the United Nations.
- Public awareness: India has raised public awareness of the LAC issue through the media and other channels. This has helped to build support for a strong Indian stand on the issue.
As a result of these measures, India’s stand on the LAC is now stronger than ever before. India is determined to protect its territorial integrity & sovereignty and is prepared to take all necessary measures to do so.