India-China Standoff: Army General hopeful of upcoming 13th round of talks

"We're hopeful of having the 13th round of talks with China in the second week of October. The situation over last six months has been quite normal. By and by all friction points will get resolved," said Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who is on a two-day visit to Ladak

Ladakh: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has expressed confidence in resolving the standoff with China in the upcoming 13th round of talks scheduled for second week of October. General Naravane was on a two-day visit in Ladak.

In an interview with ANI, the Army General said, "We're hopeful of having the 13th round of talks in the second week of October. The situation over last six months has been quite normal. By and by all friction points will get resolved."

"I am of the firm opinion that we can resolve our differences through dialogue. I am hopeful we will be able to achieve results," he added.

While talking about the security situation in Afghanistan, he said, "We are regularly monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and its possible ramifications and fallouts. It's too early to say exactly what form it will take. But, we are on the lookout. We have conveyed through hotline messages and DGMO level talks that take place every week that they (Pakistan) should not give support to any terror-related activities."

There were no ceasefire violations by the Pak army from February till June-end. "Of late, there've been increased infiltration attempts that weren't supported by ceasefire violations. In 10 days, there've been two ceasefire violations. The situation is regressing to pre-February days," the Army Chief added.

Regarding the performance of K-9 VAJRA Self-Propelled Artillery, the Army Chief said, "Guns can also work in high-altitude areas, field trials were extremely successful. We have now added an entire regiment, this will be really helpful." Notably, the Indian Army has deployed the first K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer regiment in the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control with China. The gun can strike enemy targets at around 50 km.

During his two-day visit, Naravane would review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness in the Ladakh sector. He will also be interacting with troops deployed in the sector.