Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Leh for security scenario
Sources from Leh stated that in the wake of data-border row with china, Defence minister rajnath singh arrived in Leh on friday, July 17 on a day-long visit to carry out a comprehensive review of the security scenario in the region. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and army chief Gen M M Naravane accompanied Singh on the visit. Reportedly while addressing indian army and ITBP personnel at Lukung, he asserted that talks are underway to resolve the data-border dispute, while adding that "not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world".
"Talks are underway to resolve the data-border dispute, but to what extent it can be resolved, I cannot guarantee. I can assure you, not one inch of our land can be taken by any power in the world. If a solution can be found by talks, there is nothing better," the defence minister was quoted as saying by a news agency. The defence minister paid tributes to the 20 slain indian soldiers by Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley last month.
Recently what happened between troops of india and china at PP14, how some of our personnel sacrificed their lives protecting our data-border. I am happy to meet all of you but also saddened because of their loss. I pay my tributes to them,” Singh said, as quoted by a channel. His trip comes days after prime minister narendra Modi's surprise visit to Ladakh on July 3 during which he also addressed troops and signaled the country's firmness in dealing with the India-China data-border row. Singh was originally scheduled to visit Ladakh on July 3 but the trip was deferred. indian and Chinese troops were locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for over eight weeks since May 5.