Armed forces role in Doklam episode, Galwan clashes enhanced India's stature: Army Vice Chief

New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) role played by Indian armed forces during Doklam episode and Galwan Valley clashes not only enhanced India's prestige but also raised its stature globally, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen C P Mohanty said on Sunday.

dressing an event, he spoke extensively on key ethos of Indian armed forces and highlighted ir major contributions during 1965 war, 1971 war and Kargil conflict.

Citing recent events, Lt Gen Mohanty said, "What has happened in Doklam and Galwan not only enhanced prestige of nation, but it has also given us a big stature internationally." "Today everyone talks about India as a net security provider," he said at event organised by Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS).

"It is not going to be long when we also start being counted amongst superpowers," he ded.

troops of India and China were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction in 2017 that even triggered fears of a war between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Indian armed forces put up stiff resistance to China's construction of a ro in Doklam near trijunction. dispute was resolved through several rounds of talks.

Indian Army blunted "vicious" Chinese attacks in Galwan Valley in eastern Lakh on June 15 last year in eastern Lakh.

Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down ir lives in clashes with Chinese troops that marked most serious military conflicts between two sides in deces.

In February, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in clashes with Indian Army though it is widely believed that death toll was higher.

In his dress, Lt Gen Mohanty said India has invested in its security forces and y have been playing a key role in overall development of country as security is a key aspect of prosperity.

He emphasised that allocation towards armed forces is part of nation-building process.

Lt Gen Mohanty also complimented Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for his role in thwarting a Pakistani offensive a day after Balakot strikes in February 2019.

"He held his he high and become a symbol of today's youths," he said.

Vice Chief of Army Staff also referred to reports of how Pakistan was forced to release Varthaman as neighbouring country knew that India would surely attack it if he was not released.

"That was how he was returned with dignity," Lt Gen Mohanty said.

Varthaman was captured on February 27, 2019, by Pakistan following a dogfight between air forces of two countries in which his MIG-21 was shot down.

Before his jet was hit, he downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan.

Varthaman was released on night of March 1, 2019, by Pakistan. PTI MPB RT RT