'Enemy only understands strength': Brigadier Saurabh Shekhawat on Galwan clash; hails Army's 'strong preparedness'

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army’s “strong preparedness” was the reason the 2020 Galwan clash did not escalate into a full-scale war with China, according to Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat, the then-sector commander.

Shekhawat made the remarks during a lecture at the Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, as per a statement issued by the office of Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.




“Brigadier Saurabh Singh Shekhawat has stated that the reason the Galwan clash of June 15, 2020, did not escalate into a full-scale war was the Indian Army’s strong preparedness, which earned the respect of the adversary,” the release stated.

“The enemy only understands the language of strength and power. Once this strength was demonstrated, tensions subsided,” it quoted Shekhawat as saying.

He cautioned that similar confrontations could occur again and stressed the need for constant preparedness. “Soldiers must prepare both mentally and physically for such brutality, as such direct confrontations will occur again. The battlefield is not Instagram, not Facebook, not photographs. The battlefield is extremely brutal,” he remarked.

Recalling the aftermath of the Galwan clash, the then-commander described the situation as “extremely tense.” He said major changes and improvements were undertaken even as training continued with “unwavering commitment and relentless intensity” across all seasons and conditions.

“Armoured personnel carriers, tanks, newly inducted vehicles, horses and aircraft—every possible means—were utilised. Weapons and equipment were upgraded and strengthened all along the frontier. Initially, the relationship between me and my Chinese counterpart was highly constrained. However, the situation calmed down after each side assessed the other's preparedness and strength,” he recounted.

The Galwan clash was a violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in which no bullets were fired, with soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat using stones and iron rods.

Brigadier Shekhawat is a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for gallantry in counter-terrorism operations, mountaineering, and distinguished service.

(With PTI inputs)