We are not at war with China but prepared for any contingency: IAF chief RKS Bhadauria

Hyderabad: Days after Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) killed 20 Indian soldiers at the Galwan valley, chief of Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said they are not at war with China but prepared for any contingency.

“Where is the doubt; have faith in your army…. We are not at war with China but prepared for any contingency,” said Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria referring to the India-China stand-off on the Line of Actual Control in Galwan valley.

The Air Chief Marshal was speaking at the passing out ceremony at IAF station in Dundigal, Hyderabad.

Asked about China’s air force deployments, the IAF chief agreed that the deployments of the neighboring country have increased since May.

“China conducts training for its defence personnel in Tibet during summer. We have noted that their deployments have increased since May. We are monitoring their deployment and posture. We are doing whatever is required in such a situation which includes combat air patrol,” he said.

The IAF chief also paid tribute to Colonel Santosh Babu, who was one of 20 soldiers killed in action at Galwan valley. “We will never let the sacrifices of our brave go in vain…Their gallant actions in a highly-challenging situation have demonstrated our resolve to protect India's sovereignty at any cost,” he said.

The IAF chief also noted that a lot of indigenous defence equipment production is happening in the country. Assuring people that the IAF is ready to face any situation, he said that they are monitoring the situation. "Whatever action is required will be taken," he said.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained that China has not entered into Indian territory. “Neither is anyone inside our territory nor has any of our post been captured,” he told the all-party meeting.