Indian Combat Air Patrols hover over Arunachal Pradesh amid China Tension

New Delhi : Sources say that in response to “enhanced Chinese air activity” over Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force has begun conducting combat patrols. They said that there have been “two or three” occasions in recent weeks where fighter jets were called into action to counter China.

After reports of Chinese jets flying dangerously close to the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, the Air Force reportedly began conducting air patrols in the area. This follows fighting on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between Indian and Chinese troops in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, on December 9.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that during last week’s clashes, there was a physical scuffle between the two sides, but that Indian soldiers “compelled the Chinese soldiers to return to their posts” despite massive opposition protests in parliament. Despite the odds, the Indian troops fought back in a “firm and resolute manner,” he said.

Chinese troops “tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse, Tawang, and unilaterally change the status quo,” said Rajnath Singh. “Due to timely intervention of Indian military commanders, Chinese soldiers went back to their locations.” In a meeting of commanders, the Chinese were asked to “refrain from such actions and maintain peace and tranquility along the border, he said, adding that the incident had also been taken up through diplomatic channels.