The Indian Armed Forces have conducted a joint military exercise, codenamed 'Operation Purbi Prahar', in Arunachal Pradesh, along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to counter perceived increasing Chinese incursions in the northeastern region.   

The Ministry of Defence stated that the exercise was aimed at enhancing inter-service coordination. Conducted over eight days in Arunachal Pradesh, the drills involved various fighter jets and surveillance aircraft from the Indian Air Force. Additionally, the indigenously developed advanced light helicopter, Rudra, was deployed. The exercise witnessed the use of state-of-the-art weapons such as the M777 ultra-light howitzer, ABD drones, and swarm drones. Troops from all three services were trained to collaborate using the most modern equipment and to handle emergency situations on the battlefield.   

China's incursions into India's northeastern region have long been a point of contention. Beijing has faced repeated accusations of encroaching into Arunachal Pradesh. Satellite imagery has captured the construction of villages along the LAC in Arunachal, further fueling tensions. In light of these ongoing border disputes, some defense experts believe that India, after achieving a positive dialogue with China to resolve border issues in eastern Ladakh, is now focusing its attention on Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.   

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