Since early May China had started creating troubles in Indian troops’ normal, traditional patrolling pattern in the Galwan Valley

“I want to assure you that we are ready to deal with any situation,” he said, adding that China has mobilized a huge number of army battalions and armaments along the Line of Actual Control.

With regard to the June 15 Galwan Valley face-off, the Defence Minister said, “Indian forces inflicted heavy casualties on Chinese forces.”

He said there are many friction points in eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake’s north and south banks. “Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders,” he said.

He also said that in his meeting with the Chinese Defence Minister, he clearly stated that “while our troops had always taken a responsible approach towards border management, at same time there should be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In no uncertain terms he said, “Violent conduct of Chinese troops is a violation of all past agreements. Our troops have done counter deployments in the area to safeguard our borders.”

Talking about Chinese behaviour, he said, “China doesn’t recognize the traditional and customary alignment of the boundary.” But “We consider that this alignment is based on well-established geographical principles,” he added.

“We have told China through diplomatic and military channels that attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements. We have told them in clear terms that this attempt to change the status quo is not acceptable to us at any cost,” the Defence Minister said.

Since early May, he said, “China had started creating troubles in our troops’ normal, traditional patrolling pattern in the Galwan Valley and this resulted in face-off between the two sides.”

The Defence Minister said from April itself, presence of Chinese troops and their armaments were seen in the border areas of Eastern Ladakh.

With regard to the border row with China, he said, “Both India and China agree that to maintain peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas, it is essential for the further development of bilateral relations.”

“India and China border issue remains unresolved. Till now, there has been no mutually acceptable solution. China disagrees on border: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

He assured members of the House that enthusiasm and courage of soldiers of the country’s armed forces is very high. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ladakh (after the Galwan Valley incident) to meet brave soldiers, sent a message to our commanders and soldiers that 130 crore countrymen are with them,” he said.

The Defence Minister also informed the House that Indian troops have been provided with warm clothes, special tents for their living and also, adequate arrangement has been made for their weapons and ammunition in view of snowy heights in the border areas.

Speaking highly about Indian soldiers’ determination and sacrifice, he urged the House to “pass a resolution that we are standing with our brave soldiers who are providing security to our mother land even at the face of adverse circumstances at the height of snowy mountainous peaks and without caring for their own life.”