New Delhi, Jan 13: The Indian Army is maintaining a balanced deployment along the Line of Actual Control, with General Upendra Dwivedi describing the situation at the northern front as stable but requiring constant monitoring. Speaking at the annual press conference in the national capital, the Army Chief affirmed that security remains firmly under control following significant diplomatic and military breakthroughs.
“Situation at northern front remains stable but needs constant monitoring,” General Dwivedi said. “Our deployment along the Line of Actual Control remains balanced.”
This assessment follows the October 2024 patrolling agreement in Eastern Ladakh, which ended a four-year military standoff. Since that arrangement, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi have met twice to begin the complex process of boundary demarcation.
Addressing past regional tensions, the Army Chief dismissed claims that nuclear options were discussed during military-level talks with Pakistan. He clarified that such discussions were strictly limited to the operational level between Directors General of Military Operations.
“There was no mention of nuclear during the talks the two DGMO’s had during that period,” General Dwivedi clarified. He attributed the escalation of such language to external factors, stating, “The nuclear rhetoric was being pushed by the political class.”
On the current posture following the cessation of hostilities in May, the General confirmed that while some forward mobilisations were retracted by the end of that month, the Army remains fully prepared for any developments.
“Our eyes and ears are open,” he added.
The Army is now looking toward a major capability leap by 2026, driven by structural integration and the operationalization of theatre commands. General Dwivedi outlined the raising of new specialized units, including Bhairav light commando battalions, Shaktibaan regiments, Divyaastra artillery batteries, and Ashni platoons.
“By 2026, we will have an Indian Army capable of striking deep,” the General said.
