Summary/Abstract |
Ever since 05 May 2020, when the Pangong Tso fracas became public, there has been an unending cacophony of news, views, critiques and suggestions. But after the loss of 20 Brave Hearts at Galwan, on the night 15/16 Jun, the Indian blood has been on the boil ! Recommendations spanning from hard-core punitive military action to soft diplomatic resolution have come forth from the academia and strategists. The Indian Government has since banned numerous Chinese apps, and imposed various economic checks, and the common public too has swung into action to shun everything Chinese. But, from what is gradually emerging, the recent intrusions and face offs, backed up by heavy force levels, are pre-meditated, deliberate, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military actions — with a definite aim. It would, therefore, be prudent that instead of knee-jerk response(s), the ‘Chinese Intent’ be first ascertained / deduced with sufficient clarity to tailor-make a response which not only thwarts its immediate military designs with minimal efforts but also obstructs its larger strategic goals. The article attempts to deduce the PLA’s immediate Military Aim(s) and Chinese Intent, and then suggests India’s military response and follow up strategy.
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