This will be her first visit to China since the faceoff in June last year that finally came to an end in August when disengagement took place in Doklam
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting China next month as the countries are making efforts to repair the strained relations triggered by the 73-day standoff in Doklam last year. “Yes, the visit is probably sometime in late April,” she said when asked about her plans. However, she did not elaborate on the agenda for the trip.
This will be her first visit to China since the faceoff in June last year that finally came to an end in August when disengagement took place in Doklam.
The standoff was triggered after Indian troops stopped Chinese road construction in Doklam- a region under dispute between China and Bhutan. It was felt that road connectivity would give China direct access to the Siliguri corridor, thus giving them a strategic advantage.
Even though the standoff ended, there have been reports of Chinese build up close to the site. Sources said the Chinese troops are currently around 600 metres back from the point of the standoff.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, during his annual press conference in January, had said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops are still present in North Doklam.
The Chinese have built helipads and connected them with roads leading to the standoff site.
The Indian Army has also identified half a dozen potential flashpoints on the India-China border after the Doklam standoff last year that need enhanced tactful surveillance fearing Chinese activity that could trigger more confrontations.
According to reviews done by the Army, the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh sectors could be trouble spots once the winter fades away.
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