Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a visit to Gangtok, Sikkim, to attend the Army Commanders' Conference 2024. During his two-day visit, Singh will not only address senior military officials but also celebrate Vijaya Dashmi with the armed forces personnel stationed in the region.
In a post on social media platform X, Singh expressed his anticipation for the event, saying, "I shall be reaching Gangtok today on a two-day visit to Sikkim. Looking forward to addressing the Army Commanders' Conference and also celebrating Vijaya Dashmi with the armed forces personnel." His visit comes at a crucial time, especially as tensions with China persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
This year's Army Commanders' Conference is notably significant as it is being held near the LAC for the first time, in a location close to the Chinese border. Defence officials revealed that the meeting will take place on October 10-11, with discussions expected to focus on the ongoing situation along the border with China, particularly in the sensitive regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been involved in regular face-offs and standoffs in these areas, and the conference will review the current status of these engagements.
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who took over as the Chief of Army Staff in June 2024, will lead the discussions during the conference. This will be the first meeting of the Army Commanders under his leadership.
According to sources, the top brass will also assess the lessons learned from ongoing global conflicts and explore how these lessons can be applied to strengthen the Indian forces. The focus will be on improving coordination and strategy among different arms of the Army to ensure preparedness in any potential conflict situation.
The conference is divided into two phases. The first phase is currently underway in Gangtok, and the second phase is scheduled to be held in Delhi later in October, from the 28th to 29th. Both phases will serve as crucial platforms for evaluating national security concerns and the military's readiness to respond to various challenges, especially along the LAC.
The Defence Minister's presence at this conference and his participation in Vijaya Dashmi celebrations with the troops underscore the government's continued support for the armed forces in safeguarding national borders.
Singh's address is expected to provide encouragement to the soldiers stationed in the sensitive border regions and reaffirm the nation's commitment to ensuring peace and security.
Additionally, the meeting holds geopolitical significance in light of the ongoing military standoff with China. While the situation along the LAC is described as "stable but not normal" by Gen Dwivedi, trust between the Indian Army and the PLA remains a key issue. The protracted nature of the standoff has severely affected trust, with both sides maintaining a cautious stance.
Singh's visit to Sikkim and his participation in the Army Commanders' Conference sends a strong message of India's resolve in maintaining its territorial integrity and readiness to address any potential threats.
The presence of the top military leadership near the LAC also signifies India's firm stance on border security and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its military capabilities in response to external challenges.
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