COLUMNS

A Border Clash Portends a New Indian Strategy of Less Talk, More Action Against China

Jun 24, 2020 | 19:11 GMT

An Indian fighter jet flies over a mountain range near the disputed territory of Ladakh on June 23, 2020.

An Indian fighter jet flies over a mountain range near the disputed territory of Ladakh on June 23, 2020.

(TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP via Getty Images)

Following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong condemnation of Chinese actions at the Line of Actual (LAC) control, India is poised for a significant strategy shift in how it manages its contested border with China. The June 15 clash in the long-disputed territory of Ladakh, which marked the first time Indian troops have died at the hands of Chinese forces since 1975, has highlighted India's failure to dissuade China from attempting to permanently alter the balance of power along the border via diplomatic and confidence-building measures. This has left New Delhi more likely to pursue more confrontational options, which will undoubtedly have its risks, though India's battle-tested military may find such an escalation to its short-term advantage. ...

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