Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently stated that the Indian and Chinese troops have ‘redeployed’ themselves away from the face-off site in Doklam, and that China has undertaken construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel there as well.
She stated, “Post disengagement from the face-off in 2017, troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site. The strength of both sides have been reduced.” Sitharaman added, “In order to maintain these troops during the winter, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads.”
On whether India has taken up the matter with China, she said issues relating to the border are regularly taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels and at Border Personnel Meetings, flag meetings and meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.
