Col. Dev Anand Lohamrod
The Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh on 15 June 2020 was not just a bloody skirmish—it marked a tectonic shift in India’s security doctrine. The brutal, hours-long hand-to-hand combat left 20 Indian soldiers martyred, including Col. Santosh Babu, and exposed China’s duplicity despite prior disengagement talks. India retaliated forcefully, reportedly inflicting over 40 Chinese casualties. Five years later, Galwan remains a symbol—not of defeat, but of India’s strategic awakening.
Galwan lies near the critical Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road, linking India to the strategic Karakoram Pass. The 2020 Chinese intrusion wasn’t a surprise—it followed earlier flashpoints like Depsang in 2013 and Doklam in 2017. But this time, the stakes were higher. China’s aim was clear: disrupt India’s infrastructure momentum and assert control over contested terrain. India refused to blink.
In the immediate aftermath, India launched Operation Snow Leopard, deploying Special Frontier Force and Para SF troops to seize commanding heights like Black Top and Rezang La. It was the first time since the 1990s that India held the upper hand in high-altitude positioning. This rapid counter-deployment redefined tactical balance in Eastern Ladakh.
India now maintains over 90,000 troops along the LAC, from Ladakh to Arunachal. Airbases at Leh, Nyoma, and Thoise have been upgraded to host Rafales, Su-30 MKIs, and drones for round-the-clock surveillance and response. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has built or upgraded more than 5,000 kilometres of strategic roads since 2020. Game-changing projects like the Atal Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel, and the widened DSDBO road have ensured year-round troop mobility and logistics supply.
India’s defence production also saw a sharp pivot. Over 500 military imports were banned. Indigenous platforms like Tejas LCA jets, Pinaka rocket systems, and BrahMos Block-III missiles were fast-tracked and deployed. A record ₹1.72 lakh crore was allocated to ‘Make in India’ defence manufacturing in FY 2024-25. At the same time, the country strengthened its diplomatic posture. India raised China’s aggression on global platforms like the UNSC, SCO, and G20. Strategic partnerships within the QUAD, including joint naval exercises like Malabar, gained new depth and relevance.
India also retaliated on the digital and economic front. Over 250 Chinese apps—including TikTok and WeChat—were banned. FDI norms were tightened to prevent hostile takeovers. Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes boosted local manufacturing in semiconductors, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. While bilateral trade reached $136 billion in 2024 (up from $87 billion in 2020), strategic dependency has reduced, with India diversifying sources and building resilience.
A comparison of India and China post-Galwan offers insight into the changing balance of power. India now fields more soldiers at the LAC than China, with better road and air connectivity. Indian forces—highly acclimatized and experienced in mountain warfare—enjoy greater morale and operational autonomy. While China’s build-up remains largely concealed and censored, India’s posture is transparent and increasingly integrated with its allies, including the US, Japan, Australia, and the EU.
The Indian Army’s rules of engagement have evolved. There is no longer any blind trust—soldiers are empowered to respond immediately to threats. Integrated Theatre Commands are being rolled out for coordinated responses from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Cyber and space warfare capabilities have been prioritized to meet the challenges of next-generation conflict.
India has clearly changed in fundamental ways since Galwan. The country now confronts Chinese aggression head-on, both militarily and diplomatically. Defence self-reliance is rising. The PLA now faces a credible and visible deterrent in Ladakh and beyond. Nationalistic sentiment surged after the clash, forging a rare unity around issues of sovereignty and security.
Yet, some challenges persist. China continues to hold positions in Depsang and north Pangong. Dialogue, though ongoing, remains fragile and slow. Beijing preaches peace while reinforcing aggression on the ground. Galwan, in this light, remains a reminder: trust must be earned, not assumed.
Five years later, the Galwan Valley is no longer just a site of loss—it is a symbol of resurgence. India has transformed sacrifice into strategic foresight, shedding reactive diplomacy for a bold, prepared posture. The legacy of Galwan is clear: peace is desirable, but preparedness is non-negotiable. India no longer bows—it watches, it waits, and it is ready.
