Former DGMO Reveals Inside Account of India-China Doklam Standoff
In a revealing discussion, former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General A.K. Bhatt has detailed India's strategic military preparations during the tense 2017 Doklam standoff with China. Bhatt emphasized that India was fully prepared for potential war while meticulously avoiding actions that could trigger an all-out conflict.
Critical Military Redeployments and Border Tensions
One of the most significant revelations involved the strategic movement of critical military assets. BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles were redeployed from India's western borders to the eastern sector facing China, showcasing the seriousness of the military response. Bhatt recalled particularly tense moments in the Sikkim sector, where large concentrations of Chinese artillery guns and tanks advanced perilously close to the border, creating near-miss situations that could have escalated rapidly.
Strategic De-escalation Through Communication
Despite the absence of a dedicated military hotline between the two nations at the time, both sides managed to prevent escalation through what Bhatt described as "chess-like troop deployments" and careful strategic positioning. Face-to-face communication between commanders at various levels ensured that critical messages reached the highest authorities in both countries, creating channels for de-escalation even amidst heightened tensions.
Reflections on Leadership and Military Readiness
Reflecting on the 73-day standoff, Bhatt spoke candidly about the personal toll on military leadership, mentioning "sleepless nights" spent monitoring the evolving situation. He praised the discipline, readiness, and strength demonstrated by the Indian armed forces throughout the crisis, highlighting how their professionalism contributed to maintaining stability despite extreme provocation.
The former DGMO's account provides unprecedented insight into how India managed one of its most serious border confrontations with China in recent decades, balancing military preparedness with diplomatic restraint to achieve a peaceful resolution.
