Forces get nod to change rules of engagement with China; Rajnath to raise clash in Russia

In the light of the India-China Galwan conflict leading to the martyrdom of 20 Indian Army Jawans, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given complete authority to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, the three chiefs of Indian Armed Forces and the corps commanders to act and react as deemed fit according to the situation on the ground. In a meeting with CDS General Rawat and the three chiefs of Armed Forces, the Defence Minister reiterated that India is a peaceful nation but the repeated acts of aggression by the Chinese has compelled the Indian Army to change the rules of engagement with the hostile neighbour.

READ | PM Actually 'Surender Modi': Rahul Gandhi Launches New Attack Over India-China Clash

READ | China Deploys Mouthpiece Stooge Again; Calls India Provoker, Claims 'reckless Patriotism'

The change in rules of engagement seemingly points out that the armed forces will no longer be bound by restrictions on the use of firearms and will have full authority to respond as deemed fit for the prevailing situation if the neighbour turns hostile. Rajnath Singh has also asserted that he will speak to Russia regarding the ongoing dispute with China as he is scheduled for a three-day visit to Russia from Monday to attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War. The defence minister's visit holds significance as it occurs soon after the border standoff between India and China of June 15-16 claiming lives of Indian soldiers and as per reports heavy casualties on Chinese People's Liberation Army as well.

Indian Army 'armed', but adhered to 1996 agreement

The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to Rahul Gandhi's question as to why Indian soldiers were sent 'unarmed,' Jaishankar clarified that it was not the case. EAM said that the army cannot use firearms during faceoff as per 1996 and 2005 agreements. The agreement of 1996 between two nations states that 'neither side shall open fire or conduct blast operations within 2 km of the Line of Actual Control' and that "in a face-to-face situation due to differences on the alignment of the line of actual control or any other reason, they shall exercise self-restraint". Thus, even though both sides had weapons, they indulged in a physical jostle.

What happened at Galwan?

20 Indian Army soldiers including Commanding Officer were martyred when a violent faceoff took place on Monday night when the de-escalation process was underway in the Galwan Valley. As per US intelligence reports, the Chinese side has suffered 35 casualties including a Commanding officer, during the physical clash. Sources revealed that an Indian colonel was attacked by Chinese Army personnel with iron rods without any provocation leading to hand-to-hand combat. While three soldiers were killed in action, 17 other succumbed to their injuries and hypothermia, four others are in critical but stable condition, while 72 others are recuperating from minor injuries at various hospitals. Currently, both countries have disengaged at LAC, while talks via diplomatic channels and Army-level.

READ | Telangana CM KCR dents Cong's India-China Spin; Says PM Modi 'spoke On Our Behalf'

READ | Trump Offers Assessment Of 'tough' India-China Situation; Touts 'we're Trying To Help'