Galwan – Four Years and Lessons Learnt

o understand the implications and lessons from Galwan, it is essential to examine the event through a SWOT analysis and extract the critical military lessons that can enhance India’s defence capabilities.

By Lt Col Manoj K Channan (Veteran)

The June 2020 Galwan incident serves as a sobering reminder of the enduring importance of ground troops in defending national territory, even as nations upgrade their military technologies and platforms. This confrontation between Indian and Chinese forces underscored the necessity for military commanders to not only master modern technologies but also to integrate them effectively with traditional boots-on-the-ground strategies. The incident also highlighted significant lapses in tactical planning and the need for improved preparedness and adaptability in high-altitude warfare. To understand the implications and lessons from Galwan, it is essential to examine the event through a SWOT analysis and extract the critical military lessons that can enhance India’s defence capabilities.

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Amid the strategic and military developments, the urgency of addressing the political unrest in Leh cannot be overstated. Locals have advocated for greater political rights and autonomy, and the political disenfranchisement and the demand to protect cultural and economic interests have led to significant unrest.

Resolving these political issues is not only important; it is essential to maintaining internal stability and ensuring the local population feels integrated and valued in the national framework. Addressing these concerns through dialogue, granting appropriate political rights, and ensuring sustainable development can strengthen national unity and contribute to the overall security and stability of the region.

Military Lessons Learned from the Galwan Incident of 2020

Adaptation to Terrain. The need for specialised training and equipment for high-altitude warfare was underscored. The incident highlighted the importance of acclimatisation and preparation for troops operating in extreme environments.

Logistical Support. Ensuring robust logistical support and supply chains in remote, high-altitude regions is critical for sustained military operations.

Enhanced Surveillance and Intelligence

Border Surveillance. Continuous and advanced surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is necessary to detect and respond to incursions promptly.

Intelligence Sharing. Improved coordination and intelligence-sharing mechanisms within the military and with allied nations can enhance situational awareness and response times.

Infrastructure Development

Strategic Infrastructure. It is essential to develop infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airstrips to ensure quick mobilisation and supply of troops in border areas.

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Forward Bases. Establishing and maintaining forward bases to support rapid deployment and sustainment of forces in conflict zones.

Communication and Coordination

Inter-Agency Coordination. Strengthening coordination between various branches of the armed forces and other security agencies to ensure a unified and effective response.

Real-Time Communication. Implementing advanced communication systems to facilitate real-time information sharing and decision-making in dynamic situations.

Rules of Engagement (ROE)

Clarity in ROE. Clear and well-communicated rules of engagement are essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure appropriate responses to provocations.

Non-Lethal Engagement. To manage escalations without immediately resorting to lethal force, non-lethal engagement strategies must be developed and implemented.

Specialised Training

Combat Training. Enhancing combat training programs to include scenarios specific to high-altitude and close-quarter confrontations.

Survival Skills. Providing troops with specialised survival skills training for operating in harsh and unforgiving terrains.

Joint Exercises and Drills

Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises. Conduct regular joint military exercises with friendly nations to improve interoperability, share best practices, and prepare for potential joint operations.

Simulated Drills. Run simulated drills to test and refine response protocols for conflict scenarios.

Technological Advancements

Drone Surveillance. Utilising drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance in difficult terrains.

Advanced Weaponry. Investing in advanced weaponry and equipment suitable for high-altitude operations to maintain a tactical edge.

Psychological Preparedness

Mental Resilience. Building mental resilience and psychological preparedness among troops to handle the stress and challenges of high-stakes border confrontations.

Support Systems. Establishing robust support systems, including counselling and mental health services, to support troops before, during, and after deployment in conflict zones.

International Diplomacy and Military Strategy

Diplomatic Engagement. Leveraging diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes, complementing military readiness with strategic diplomacy.

Strategic Posturing. Adopting a strategic posturing approach balances military preparedness with diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability and peace.

The Significance of Raising 17 and 18 Corps

17 Corps. Also known as the Mountain Strike Corps, it is specifically designed for offensive operations in mountainous terrain. Its creation was intended to enhance India’s capability to conduct swift and decisive strikes in high-altitude regions.

18 Corps. While details about the 18 Corps are less publicised, it is similarly focused on high-altitude operations, augmenting the overall combat potential along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Enhanced Rapid Response

Strategic Mobility. These Corps are equipped to mobilise and deploy quickly in response to threats along the LAC, significantly reducing reaction times and enhancing India’s strategic posture.

Pre-Positioned Assets. These units can sustain prolonged operations in remote, challenging environments with pre-positioned equipment and supplies.

Force Multiplier Effect

Integrated Units. The Corps comprises infantry, artillery, engineers, and support units, providing a balanced and integrated force capable of executing complex operations in mountainous terrain.

Specialised Training. Troops within these Corps receive specialised training in high-altitude warfare, survival skills, and advanced combat techniques, making them highly effective in the unique conditions of the Himalayan region.

Deterrence and Offensive Capabilities

Credible Deterrence. Dedicated mountain strike forces are a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, signalling India’s readiness and capability to defend its borders.

Offensive Operations. These Corps are equipped for defensive and offensive operations, allowing India to take proactive measures to secure its territorial integrity.

Re-orbatting Existing Force Structures

Optimal Resource Allocation

Strategic Redeployment. Re-orbatting involves reorganising and redeploying existing military units to ensure optimal resource allocation and improved operational efficiency along the LAC.

Focused Strength. By concentrating forces in strategically important areas, the military can better respond to threats and maintain a robust defensive posture.

Enhanced Command and Control

Unified Command. Re-orbatting streamlines command and control structures, reducing redundancy and improving coordination among various units operating in the region.

Improved Communication: Enhanced communication networks and command centres facilitate real-time information sharing and decision-making, crucial for rapid response to evolving situations.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Dynamic Force Posture. The re-orbatting process allows for a more flexible and adaptable force posture, capable of responding to a wide range of threats and scenarios along the 4000 km LAC.

Adaptive Strategies. Military strategies can be dynamically adjusted based on real-time intelligence and situational requirements, ensuring a proactive and effective defence mechanism.

Technological Integration

Modernisation. Re-orbatting often involves integrating modern technologies and advanced equipment, enhancing the restructured units’ overall combat effectiveness.

Network-Centric Warfare: Emphasising network-centric warfare capabilities, these units are better equipped to operate in a digitally connected and information-driven battlefield environment.

Strengthened Defences

Layered Defense. The restructured force formations enable a layered defence approach, with multiple defensive lines and strategic reserves positioned to counter any incursions effectively.

Comprehensive Coverage. Ensuring comprehensive coverage of the LAC and re-orbatting enhances border surveillance, reconnaissance, and defensive capabilities.

Operational Readiness

Preparedness. These measures improve the Indian military’s overall operational readiness, enabling it to effectively manage and respond to challenges in the high-altitude Himalayan region.

Long-Term Security. By strengthening its military presence and capabilities along the LAC, India reinforces its long-term security and sovereignty over its border regions, contributing to regional stability and peace.

These steps reflect a comprehensive and proactive approach to securing India’s borders, enhancing its military capabilities, and ensuring preparedness for potential conflicts along the LAC.

Developing the Indian Light Tank Zorawar

Lightweight Construction. Zorawar is designed to be lightweight, allowing for easier manoeuvrability and deployment in high-altitude terrains where heavier tanks would struggle.

High Mobility. Its design emphasises high mobility, making it capable of traversing difficult and rugged mountainous terrain with ease.

Enhanced Lethality

Advanced Weapon Systems. Equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including a high-calibre main gun and modern targeting systems, Zorawar can deliver lethal firepower effectively in high-altitude conditions.

Precision Targeting. Advanced optics and targeting systems allow for precision strikes, enhancing combat effectiveness against ground and aerial threats.

Crew Protection and Comfort

Climate Control Systems. Zorawar is equipped with advanced climate control systems to protect the crew from the harsh climatic conditions of high-altitude regions, ensuring operational efficiency and comfort.

Enhanced Armor. The tank has enhanced armour protection to protect the crew from enemy fire and harsh environmental conditions.

Rapid Development and Deployment

Proactive Leadership. The swift development of Zorawar under the proactive leadership of the then DG Armoured Corps, Lt Gen KS Brar,AVSM; demonstrates the capability to fast-track defence projects critical for national security.

Efficient Manufacturing. Collaboration with domestic defence manufacturers and leveraging existing technological expertise allowed for the rapid prototyping and production of the tank.

Operational Versatility.

Multi-Role Capability. Zorawar is designed for versatility. It can perform various roles, such as direct fire support, surveillance, and rapid reaction to threats, making it a valuable asset in diverse operational scenarios.

Strategic Impact

Force Multiplier. The introduction of Zorawar serves as a force multiplier in high-altitude warfare, enhancing the Indian Army’s overall combat potential in the region.

Deterrence. An advanced and specialised tank deters adversaries, reinforcing India’s defensive and offensive capabilities along the LAC.

Indigenous development

Self-Reliance. The development of Zorawar showcases India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on imports and fostering domestic innovation.

Economic Benefits. The project contributes to the defence manufacturing sector, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth within the country.

Overall Significance of Zorawar

The development of the Indian Light Tank Zorawar represents a significant leap in enhancing India’s military capabilities in high-altitude regions. Its specialised design, advanced weaponry, and rapid deployment capability make it a formidable asset for the Indian Army, particularly in the challenging terrains along the Himalayan ridgeline. The proactive measures to develop Zorawar reflect a strategic approach to addressing immediate defence needs while contributing to long-term security and self-reliance in defence technology.

Conclusion

The Galwan incident of June 2020 was a pivotal moment that underscored the enduring significance of ground troops in national defence and highlighted several critical areas for improvement in military preparedness and strategy. Through a thorough analysis and the implementation of lessons learned, India has taken significant steps to enhance its defence capabilities, particularly in high-altitude regions. The raising of the 17 and 18 Corps and the development of the Zorawar light tank exemplify proactive measures to address the challenges faced along the Line of Actual Control. By continuing to innovate and adapt, India can ensure a robust and resilient defence posture, safeguarding its sovereignty and contributing to regional stability.

The author is an Indian Army Veteran.

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