Centre extends three defence vice-chiefs' financial powers to acquire critical ammunition

In a major boost to Indian armed forces, Centre on Sunday, has given three defence forces financial powers upto Rs 500 crore per project for acquisition of critical ammunition required in case an all-out or limited conflict breaks out, acccording to ANI. This move has been taken in amid Galwan valley face-off where 20 soldiers were martyred. Similar financial powers were given to armed forces after Uri attack and Balakot aerial strikes against Pakistan.

Centre hits out at 'mischievous interpretation' of PM Modi's comments on LAC faceoff

Armed forces get extended financial powers

" Vice Chiefs of three services have been given financial powers upto Rs 500 crore per project to acquire required weapon systems under fast track procedures needed to fill whatever shortcomings or requirement is felt," a senior government official told ANI.

'Get facts right': EAM Jaishankar hits out at Rahul Gandhi over 'unarmed' soldiers tweet

Forces allowed to change rules of engment

Earlier in day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave complete authority to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, three chiefs of Indian Armed Forces and corps commanders to act and react as deemed fit according to situation on ground. In a meeting with CDS General Rawat and three chiefs of Armed Forces, Defence Minister reiterated that India is a peaceful nation but repeated acts of aggression by Chinese has compelled Indian Army to change rules of engment with hostile neighbour. With a change in rules of engment, armed forces may t be bound by restrictions on use of firearms under hostile attacks.

Coronavirus Live Updates: India's cases soar to 4.1 lakh; testing tally at 68 lakh samples

What happened at Galwan?

20 Indian Army soldiers including Commanding Officer were martyred when a violent faceoff took place on Monday night when de-escalation process was underway in Galwan Valley. As per US intelligence reports, Chinese side has suffered 35 casualties including a Commanding officer, during physical clash. Sources revealed that an Indian colonel was attacked by Chinese Army personnel with iron rods without any provocation leading to hand-to-hand combat. While three soldiers were killed in action, 17 or succumbed to ir injuries and hypormia, four ors are in critical but stable condition, while 72 ors are recuperating from mir injuries at various hospitals. Currently, both countries have disengd at LAC, while talks via diplomatic channels and Army-level.

Forces get d to change rules of engment with China; Rajnath to raise clash in Russia