Sacrifices of Galwan bravehearts won't go in vain: Indian Army Chief Gen Naravane

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New Delhi: Paying homage to 20 Indian soldiers who died in Galwan valley due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Friday (January 15) said that their "sacrifice..wont go in vain". He was speaking at the annual army day parade.

The death of 20 Indian soldiers at Line of actual control (LAC) was the worst military incident between India and China in decades and came even as Beijing has been aggressive with most of its neighbors. Indian army chief Naravane pointed out the Chinese attempts to "unilaterally change the status quo" at LAC which he said was met with a "befitting reply".

Both sides have been engaged in talks, both at the diplomatic and military level to defuse the tension. Focus now is on the 9th round of military talks that is expected to take place soon.

On Pakistan, he said that the country's support to "terror continues" even as "300-400 terrorists from camps waiting to infiltrate into Indian territory". He pointed out that the "number of ceasefire violations increased by 44 percent in 2020" and attempts to smuggle in arms via drones and tunnels. Indian army had eliminated over 200 terrorists in counter-terror operations.

Indian Army chief in his speech lauded Indian troops at UN Peacekeeping mission. 5300 Indian troops are deployed in UN Missions across the world. Significantly he also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Indian and Myanmar's army to deal with insurgent groups in the areas.