Fully prepared and more than capable for a full-fledged war even in winters: Indian Army

The India Army has said that its operational logistics are far better as compared to China and it is fully prepared and more than capable of fighting a full-fledged war even in winters in Eastern Ladakh.

In a statement, released on September 16, HQ Northern Command said that India is a peace-loving country and wishes to have good relations with its neighbours.

"India always prefers to resolve issues through dialogue. While talks are in progress to resolve the issue of borders with China in Eastern Ladakh, at the military level it is well prepared for the prolonged standoff," it said.

According to the press statement, altitudes in Ladakh ranges from High to Super High Altitude and there is a lot of snowfall, after the month of November up to 40 feet of snow is experienced. Coupled with this, temperature dipping down to minus 30-40 degrees is a usual phenomenon.

Though the wind chill factor makes matters further worse for the troops as the roads also get closed due to the snow, despite all this, the Army has stated that the most encouraging part for India is that the Indian soldiers have a huge experience of winter warfare and are psychologically tuned to operate at short notice.

"While this fact is known to the world, the operational logistics capabilities are hardly known. Global Times (China) media reports that India’s Operational Logistics is not geared up adequately and will not be able to fight through winters effectively. This can best be attributed to ignorance. Indian Army is fully prepared and more than capable of fighting a full-fledged war even in winters in Eastern Ladakh," it said.

Logistic capability relates to mobility, habitat and billeting, quality services from health, special rations, repair and recovery, heating systems, high-quality weapons, ammunition, quality clothing, and so on.

"While much of this capability existed earlier and troops could simply plug and play, a lot has also been boosted since May this year when China showed first signs of aggression."

The India Army says that it has experience of Siachen where conditions are much more demanding than the frontiers with China.

"Traditionally there were two routes for moving into Ladakh, that is through Zojila and Rohtang Passes. Recently India commissioned the third road from Darcha to Leh which is much shorter distance-wise and less prone to closure," it said.

It also emphasized that the completion of the Atal tunnel on the Rohtang route has force multiplied the logistic capacities and in addition, "we have a large number of airbases with the help of which we can maintain the army well. Modern snow clearing equipment has also been placed on these routes to keep them open beyond November, thus giving us more time for daily maintenance of the troops."

The Army has adequately stocked special fuel and lubricants for tanks and armored personnel carriers including spares for their maintenance. "Water points and tube wells have been established for the troops and animals like mules and yaks. The living barracks have also been prepared which are comfortable and warm."

The India Army said that facilities such as the central heating system are some of the high points of these facilities and Ammunition of various types including small arms, missiles, and tank and artillery ammunition have also been adequately stocked. "The medical system is also in place for any eventuality."

"Compared to Indian troops that are battle-hardened physically and psychologically, Chinese troops are mostly from urban areas and not used to hardships or prolonged deployment under field conditions," the Indian Army said.

It added, "China’s concept has always been to win the Wars without fighting, hence if they create conditions for war, they will come across a better trained, better prepared, rested and psychologically hardened Indian troops. These worries have been percolating the minds of Chinese troops and are visible in Chinese media."