India Deploys Special Forces Units In Ladakh Amid Military Standoff With China

Special Forces units have already been deployed along forward locations in eastern Ladakh and apprised of their roles, if and when needed

Amid the ongoing dispute with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has now deployed its Special Forces units in Ladakh for operational roles, if required.

"Para special forces units have been moved from different locations in the country to the Ladakh region where they are already carrying out exercises," government sources told Aajtak and India Today. Special Forces units played a key role in the 2017 surgical strikes against Pakistan-based terror camps and can be used effectively on the Chinese front if and when needed, sources added.

Most recent inputs indicate that Special Forces units have already been deployed along forward locations in eastern Ladakh. Troops have been fully apprised about roles they may have to assume in case hostilities with China escalate.

India has more than 12 Special Forces regiments who train on different terrains and have developed specialisation in desert, mountains and jungle terrain. The Special Forces units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir regularly practice war games in high-altitude areas in and around Leh.

While raiding them, Indian Army Special Forces had destroyed multiple launch pads near the Line of Control (LOC) during the 2017 surgical strikes. Troops had targeted and eliminated a number of terrorists, along with Pakistan Army personnel tasked with training and guiding them to India through different routes.

At present, India and China are engaged in a military standoff along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Tensions have been high since June 15 when a violent face-off between soldiers of the Indian Army and People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops resulted in casualties on both sides in the Galwan Valley.