Indian Army deploys armoured combat vehicles to counter Chinese threat in Galwan Valley

Even as the Chinese troops have taken a step back amid de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army has deployed its armoured combat vehicles in Galwan Valley along with troops. 

This counter-deployment was done after China brought armoured vehicles on its side of LAC opposite Galwan Valley. The deployment of armoured vehicles by China posed a threat to the strategically important Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road (DSDBO road). 

The armoured vehicles (BMPs) of the Indian Army can not only launch an attack on the enemy with missiles, mortars, rockets and machine guns, but troops sitting inside it can move forward safely under enemy fire.

SARATH BMP-II deployed by Indian Army

SARATH BMP-II deployed by the Indian Army is the best infantry combat vehicle in the world with modern weapon systems. It is ideal for fighting battles with speed, surprise and deadly precision.

Powered by 300 HP Engine, it is a highly mobile to meet all tactical requirements of mobility in a battlefield, travels at an incredible 65 KMPH, with easy steering ability in cross country terrain. It  can travel at 7 KMPH on water and can over-come slopes upto 35 degree and can cross obstacles of 0.7 M.

Equipped with a rapid fire 7.62 MM medium coaxial machine gun, a 30 MM cannon and a second-generation homing type anti-tank guided missile, the SARATH BMP-II can neutralise all kinds of land based and low flying military objects.

It is protected with armoured plates all around there by ensuring a high degree of protection to the combatants. It offers a chameleon like camouflage with the help of smoke grenades creating a smoke screen.

Manufactured by Ordnance Factory Medak, it is provided with sharp night vision devices and a low silhouette.

The deployment of armoured vehicles of the Indian Army ahead of the confluence of the Galwan Valley and the Shyok River has created a strong wall that is not possible for the Chinese Army to breach. The BMP deployment of the mechanized infantry of the Indian Army is along the DSDBO road and also at the mouth of Galwan Valley. Armoured vehicles have also been deployed on the road leading to Daulat Beg Oldi. 

The decision to deploy heavy armoured vehicle was taken as the number of Chinese soldiers has increased in this area and due to the plain terrain on the other side of the LAC, it is easy for the Chinese Army to bring tanks and other vehicles at a high speed.

The Indian Army started deploying tanks and armoured vehicles in Ladakh a few years ago. It is easy for tanks and armoured vehicles to take action in the open fields of Ladakh. On the other side of the LAC, China has made a network of roads and railways in occupied Tibet. But the work of building infrastructure for India continued at a slow pace. In such a situation, if China uses tanks to attack Indian positions, it would be difficult for the Indian Army to retaliate. 

That is why India started taking tanks and armoured vehicles to the Ladakh plains. Amid ongoing tension, the Indian Army expedited the deployment of tanks and armoured vehicles in Ladakh.

The Indian Army is also making one of its largest military deployment in Ladakh. The deployment of another division of Indian troops in Ladakh is in response to the large Chinese presence in the area. Taking the deployment of this division, the Indian Army now has four divisions in east Ladakh alone. Before May, only one division was stationed in the area.

A division consists of 15,000-20,000 troops. 

Meanwhile, India and China have agreed to de-escalate along the LAC with the Chinese troops retracting from their positions. India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday spoke with Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, to discuss de-escalation along the India-China border in eastern Ladakh. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the two "Special Representatives" had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the recent developments in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas during their telephonic conversation.