Government will do all to equip frontline troops: Rajnath Singh

EW DELHI: India will continue the ongoing talks with China to peacefully resolve the sixmonth-long military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, even as

NEW DELHI: India will continue the ongoing talks with China to peacefully resolve the sixmonth-long military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, even as Indian troops are “standing firm” in forward areas, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

In an indication that de-escalation in the high-altitude region may still be some distance away, Singh said the government would do its utmost to ensure that soldiers on the frontline — who should not let down their guard — were provided with all the requisite equipment.

  

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“It is our national responsibility to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” he said, addressing the Army commanders’ conference here.

Singh said he had personally witnessed the “high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities” of Indian troops during his visits to forward areas, while paying tributes to the “bravehearts” of Galwan, Kashmir and the northeast for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Turning to the western border, the minister complimented the Army’s befitting response to the ceasefire violations and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

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