India buys winter gears from US on urgent basis amid row with China

As the tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the Eastern Ladakh continue with no sign of dissolution, India has bought high altitude warfare kits from the US on an urgent basis, according to reports. This is a sign that the country is preparing for an extended winter deployment after talks to ease tensions along its border with China stalled.

The step could be significant as the area of tension is very well known for its bone- chilling temperature and war at such place can be dangerous. The Indian Army used an agreement which allows the two militaries to take logical assistance from each other such as buying fuel and spare parts for warships and aircraft, for the transaction.

The Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement signed in August 2016 aims to promote interoperability between the two militaries.

Till now, India sourced high-altitude kits for its defense force mainly from Europe and China. S K Saini, the second-highest ranking general in the Indian Army, is on a scheduled visit to the U.S. Army Pacific Command to discuss other emergency purchases and building capabilities.

The tension at Ladakh which surfaced after the firing at the LAC after 45 years on June 15 has prompted both the sides to move thousands of troops, tanks and missiles to the Himalayan border, while fighter jets are on stand-by.

With the winter season coming close, the troops face off at 15,000 feet, with temperatures dropping to -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit).