New Delhi: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday said that India’s engagement with China has seen “significant improvement” over the past year, backed by more than 1,100 ground-level interactions and sustained diplomatic-military coordination.

Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, the Army Chief said both sides have shown flexibility in communication and crisis management.

“In the last one year, we have had 1,100 interactions with China at the ground level. Both sides have been flexible in holding dialogues. If they plan any construction, they inform us in advance; even after construction, if we raise any objection, they remove it,” Gen Dwivedi said.

He added that disengagement has been completed at several friction points, and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) — led by an MEA Joint Secretary — will continue to guide further progress on resolving the boundary dispute.

CDS Gen Upendra Dwivedi added, “Disengagement has been completed at many locations. A Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) has been formed, headed by a Joint Secretary in the MEA with military personnel as members. They will guide us in finding a resolution to the boundary dispute.”

“Talks and terror can’t go together”: Strong message to Pakistan

In a sharp warning to Pakistan, Gen Dwivedi said India will treat terrorists and their supporters alike, and any attempt to fuel cross-border terrorism will invite a firm response.

“India focuses on progress and prosperity. If someone creates obstacles in our course, then we will have to take some action against them,” he said.

Reiterating India’s long-held stance, he added:

“We have said that talks and terror can't go together; blood and water cannot follow together. We are for a peaceful process, which we will cooperate with. Until then, we will treat terrorists and their sponsors alike.”

The Army Chief also warned that India’s ‘new normal’ in counterterror operations will pose a serious challenge for Pakistan, “Our new normal in combating terrorism will be a challenge to Pakistan.”

Gen Dwivedi said the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved sharply since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

“After this, political clarity has come. There has been a huge decline in terrorism,” he noted.