Why in the news- According to the Indian Army, five army personnel were killed on Saturday morning while disembarking or returning from a military training activity related to the crossing of the Shyok River in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) area of eastern Ladakh.
Recent developments
- There has been an increase in military activity and infrastructure development in eastern Ladakh since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
- The construction of alternate routes to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and increased armored presence highlight India’s ongoing strategic efforts to secure its borders and maintain a strong defensive posture.
Historical context
- Aksai Chin is a high-altitude desert region located in the eastern part of the larger Kashmir region divided between India, Pakistan, and China.
- The region became a bone of contention in the 1950s when China built a road linking Tibet to Xinjiang through Aksai Chin, which India claims as its territory.
- The road, known as the Tibet-Xinjiang Highway (G219), is of strategic importance to China as it connects two of its autonomous regions.
- India’s construction of the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) highway is a response to this strategic move by China.
- It aims to improve connectivity and ensure rapid mobilization of troops and supplies in the region, which is vital to maintaining India’s territorial integrity and countering a potential Chinese invasion.
Semi -amphibious vehicles
- Semi-amphibious vehicles are military vehicles designed to operate on both land and water.
- They are vital for operations in areas with challenging terrain and water obstacles.
- An example of this is the Russian-origin T-72 tank, used by the Indian Army.
- These tanks can cross rivers and lakes, making them versatile in combat and training scenarios.
Fording
- Fording is a maneuver used by tanks and similar vehicles to cross water bodies, usually involving crossing deep water where the vehicle may be completely submerged.
- This maneuver is essential for maintaining mobility in areas with many rivers and streams, ensuring that military units can reach their objectives without being hampered by natural obstacles.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is an executive agency responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads in India’s border areas, enhancing connectivity and strategic mobility for the armed forces.
- The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plays a vital role in developing infrastructure in remote and hostile areas, ensuring that the Indian Army can maintain a strong presence on the country’s borders.
Shyok River
- The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River, which flows through the northern areas of Ladakh.
- It is known for its turbulent waters, especially during the summer months when glaciers melt and its water level rises.
Sasoma, Saser La, Gapshan
- These are the major points along the alternate road being built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to improve access to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO).
- Sasoma is a village, Saser La is a mountain pass, and Gapshan is another strategic location in the region.
Pangong Tso
- Pangong Tso is a high-altitude lake in Ladakh, a part of which is under Chinese control.
- It has been a subject of dispute between India and China.
Gogra-Hot Springs region
- The region has witnessed military standoffs between India and China.
- It is located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and has been the site of buffer zone agreements to reduce tensions.
Security concerns and measures
- The strategic Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector, located less than 10 km west of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Aksai Chin, remains a hotspot due to its proximity to Chinese territory.
- Increased armoured deployment by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), regular training exercises and infrastructure development are steps taken by India to counter these security concerns.
- These measures ensure that the Indian Army is well-prepared and able to respond quickly to any intrusion or conflict in the region.
Strategic Importance of Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway
- The Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway is a vital infrastructure project for the Indian Army, providing access to the strategic region of Daulat Beg Oldi in eastern Ladakh.
- The highway enhances connectivity across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, particularly in the disputed Aksai Chin region.
Importance of Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway
- The DSDBO highway runs almost parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Aksai Chin, an area that has been a point of conflict between India and China.
- Aksai Chin, which was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was occupied by China in the 1950s, leading to the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
- During this war, India had to face significant losses.
- The DSDBO highway is vital for enhancing India’s military preparedness and logistics capabilities in this sensitive region.
Strategic Benefits of the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway
Improved military mobility: The highway enables faster and more efficient movement of troops, artillery, and supplies to the northernmost part of India, ensuring a robust defense position.
Logistics support: It provides a reliable supply route for the Indian Army, which is essential for sustaining operations in the high altitude and harsh climatic conditions of Ladakh.
Surveillance: Improved access to the LAC allows for better observation and monitoring of Chinese activities in the region, ensuring timely intelligence and response capabilities.
Challenges and Future Prospects
- While the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway significantly enhances India’s strategic capabilities, it also poses certain challenges.
- Harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain require constant maintenance and upgradation of the road infrastructure.
- Additionally, the presence of Chinese military forces nearby necessitates constant vigilance and preparedness.
- Despite these challenges, the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) Highway represents a significant step in strengthening India’s defense infrastructure and ensuring its readiness to counter any threat along the LAC.
- The continued development and strengthening of such strategic assets is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Security concerns for India in the region
The eastern Ladakh region, including the DBO area, presents several security challenges for India:
Proximity to Chinese forces: The region is close to Chinese military bases, making it a flashpoint for potential conflicts. The presence of Chinese troops and infrastructure development in the region increases the risk of standoffs and clashes. Brookings Institution
Harsh terrain and climate: Difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions in Ladakh complicate military operations and logistics. Maintaining a strong presence in such an environment requires significant resources and preparedness.
Border disputes and historical tensions: Unresolved border disputes between India and China, particularly over Aksai Chin, contribute to strategic instability in the region. Historical tensions and the lack of a clear demarcation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have further exacerbated these concerns. Council on Foreign Relations
Steps taken by India to counter these concerns
India has implemented several measures to address security challenges in eastern Ladakh:
Infrastructure development: The construction of the Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road and other infrastructure projects by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) aims to improve connectivity and logistics in the region. These projects are crucial for sustaining military operations and enhancing India’s strategic position.
Increased military presence: Following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, India has significantly increased its military deployment and armoured presence in the DBO region. This includes the establishment of additional outposts and the deployment of advanced weapons to deter potential Chinese aggression.
Regular training and exercises: The Indian Army conducts regular training exercises in eastern Ladakh to ensure that soldiers are well-prepared for harsh conditions and potential conflicts. These exercises include maneuvers such as fording, which are crucial for maintaining operational readiness.
Diplomatic and strategic engagement: India has been making sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve border disputes and reduce tensions with China. This includes confidence-building measures along the LAC and talks at various levels to establish buffer zones.
Surveillance and intelligence: The Indian Army has improved its surveillance and intelligence capabilities in the region, using advanced technologies and reconnaissance assets to track Chinese activities and ensure a timely response to any threats.