Indian Army's Preparedness Prevented Galwan Clash from Escalating to War: Brigadier

Indian Army's Strong Preparedness Prevented Galwan Clash from Escalating to Full-Scale War with China

According to Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, the former sector commander, the Indian Army's "strong preparedness" was the decisive factor that prevented the 2020 Galwan clash from escalating into a full-scale war with China. He made these remarks during a lecture at the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, as detailed in a statement released by the office of Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

Respect Earned Through Strength

The official release quoted Brigadier Shekhawat, stating, "Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat has stated that the reason the Galwan clash of June 15, 2020, did not escalate into a full-scale war was the Indian Army's strong preparedness, which earned the respect of the adversary." He emphasized that "the enemy only understands the language of strength and power." Once this strength was clearly demonstrated, tensions between the two nations subsided, averting a broader conflict.

Warning of Future Confrontations and Need for Constant Readiness

Brigadier Shekhawat issued a stern warning that similar confrontations could occur again in the future. He stressed the critical need for constant preparedness among soldiers, both mentally and physically. "Soldiers must prepare both mentally and physically for such brutality, as such direct confrontations will occur again," he remarked. He added a poignant note, "The battlefield is not Instagram, not Facebook, not photographs. The battlefield is extremely brutal."

Recalling the Tense Aftermath and Military Upgrades

Reflecting on the immediate aftermath of the Galwan clash, the then-commander described the situation as "extremely tense." He revealed that major changes and improvements were swiftly undertaken across the frontier. Training continued with "unwavering commitment and relentless intensity" throughout all seasons and under various challenging conditions.

To bolster defenses, the Indian Army utilized every possible resource:

Armoured personnel carriers and tanks
Newly inducted vehicles
Horses and aircraft

Weapons and equipment were systematically upgraded and strengthened along the entire border. Initially, Brigadier Shekhawat noted that his relationship with his Chinese counterpart was "highly constrained." However, the situation gradually calmed down after both sides had the opportunity to assess each other's preparedness and military strength.

Background on the Galwan Clash and Brigadier Shekhawat's Credentials

The Galwan clash was a violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in the Ladakh region. Notably, no bullets were fired during the incident; instead, soldiers engaged in intense hand-to-hand combat using stones and iron rods, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat is a highly decorated officer, having received several prestigious awards for his service: