The Depsang Plains hold significant strategic importance for India, particularly concerning its defence posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Here are the key factors that underscore their criticality:
Geographical Significance: The Depsang Plains are situated at a high altitude of approximately 16,000 feet in eastern Ladakh. They serve as a crucial access point to the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road and the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip, which is the highest airstrip in the world. This road connects Leh to the Karakoram Pass, making it vital for logistical support and military mobility in the region.
The plains’ flat and open terrain is conducive for large-scale military movements, making it easier to deploy tanks and other armoured units. This geographical feature allows for rapid mobilization, which is essential in a conflict scenario.
Maintaining control over the Depsang Plains is critical for ensuring uninterrupted access to supply routes. If Chinese forces were to dominate this area, they could effectively threaten India’s logistical lines, particularly those leading to the DBO airstrip and beyond.
The Depsang region is strategically positioned between two potential adversaries—China and Pakistan. Loss of control here could leave Indian positions vulnerable to a two-pronged attack from both nations, especially concerning the Siachen Glacier, which is crucial for India’s northern defence strategy.
The Depsang Plains have been a flashpoint in India-China relations, notably during confrontations in 2013 and 2015. The area has seen multiple face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops, indicating its ongoing volatility and importance in bilateral tensions.
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Since 2020, Chinese troops have reportedly blocked Indian patrols in areas deemed critical by India, such as the “Bottleneck” feature within the Depsang Plains. This blockage has raised alarms about China’s intentions to solidify its territorial claims at India’s expense.
The Depsang Plains are located near significant routes such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Control over this area allows India to monitor and potentially counteract Chinese influence in the region while safeguarding its own strategic interests.
Both India and China have been enhancing their military infrastructure along the LAC, with significant deployments of troops and equipment. This build-up underscores the ongoing competition for dominance in this strategically vital region.
The Depsang Plains are not only critical for India’s military logistics but also play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability against potential threats from China and Pakistan. Control over this area is essential for India’s defence strategy, making it a focal point of geopolitical tension in South Asia.
Agencies
