Happymon Jacob speaks with Lt Gen (Retired) H.S. Panag (former GOC in C Northern
Command and Central Commands, Indian Army, former member of the Armed Forces Tribunal) on the ongoing India China military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). They discuss how the latest standoff is unprecedented and more worrying than the previous border skirmishes.
Lt Gen Panag argues that the Chinese have chosen to alter the status quo at selected locations and are using a ‘Differing Perceptions’ paradigm to justify their actions. Therefore, India must challenge this narrative and call out China’s expansionist policies to set the narrative straight. Lt Gen Panag also argues that if India does not push back at this stage, China will only increase such behaviour in the future. The conversation ends with Lt Gen Panag’s thoughts on how New Delhi can counter these incursions.