Indian Army can meet any contingency: Rajnath Singh

The situation along the India-China border, which remains tense given continuing large-scale infrastructure development and close deployment of troops, was a key focus at a top level conference between the army leadership that was presided over by defence minister Rajnath Singh.

The conference also focused on impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on war preparedness, with a focus on moving towards indigenisation to meet requirements of spares and ammunition for key weapon systems.

Speaking at the conference, the defence minister expressed his "full confidence" in the army dealing with any contingency along the northern borders. He, however, said that a peaceful resolution with disengagement and de-escalation through dialogue would be the best way forward.


Troops in Ladakh have remained deployed in close proximity since 2020 when China moved thousands of soldiers on the border under the cover of a military exercise. While most of the friction areas have been resolved, two areas of concerns remain at Depsang and Demchock in eastern Ladakh. Besides, over 50,000 troops from each side remain forward deployed.

Addressing the army leadership, Singh said that a whole of government approach is underway to ensure availability of weapons, clothing and equipment to troops "braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity". In particular, the minister complimented efforts by the Border Roads Organisation in improving connectivity under difficult working conditions.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has impacted supplies of spares and equipment to Indian armed forces formed part of the discussions as well. In his address, the defence minister stressed on the need of motivating Indian industry to deliver innovative solutions and reposing faith in their ability to deliver.