Utility: Direct question can be asked on Galwan Clash impact on India’s foreign policy, Impact on Indo-Pacific/ Quad / India-US/ India-China relations etc.
Galwan Clash:
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Line of Actual Control (LAC) witnessed violent clashes in Galwan valley in Ladakh leading to death of 20 Indian Soldiers and reportedly death of 43 Chinese soldiers.
Government’s Response:
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No official briefing about the situation in Ladakh has taken place.
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No Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held to discuss border situation.
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Failure of diplomacy and foreign policy as crisis in Ladakh erupted months after the second informal summit with the Chinese President at Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
Current scenario in Ladakh:
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Uncertainty: There has been continued deployment of 50,000-60,000 soldiers in Ladakh region.
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Advantage China: The Chinese are present on the Indian side of the LAC in Gogra, Hot Springs and Demchok especially Depsang Plains.
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China as a bigger threat than Pakistan: China has become a bigger security threat for India than Pakistan due to longer, unfenced border and military superiority.
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Threat of 2 front war: Ladakh crisis has also exposed India’s military weakness, especially in case of two front war.
What are the major implications of Ladakh crisis?
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India opened back-channel talks with Pakistan which led to ceasefire on the Line of Control.
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The Ladakh crisis has also led the Government to relook external partnerships. For instance, as per U.S. military officials, it has provided intelligence and logistics support to the Indian forces in Ladakh.
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India has recognized China as a larger neighbour with better force and better technology.
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The crisis has reduced the military importance of the Quad, as India refused to do joint naval patrolling with the U.S. in the South China Sea.
What are the major challenges present in front of India?
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It is difficult for India to counter Chinese influence in South Asia due to the mishandling of second wave of Covid-19.
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India is dependent on China for medical equipment to fight the pandemic.
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Chinese incursions have shown that deterrence has failed.
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India has learnt that it can no longer have simultaneous competition and cooperation with Beijing.
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It will be difficult for India to take sides in a new Cold War between the U.S. and China and protecting its strategic sovereignty.