India buys high altitude warfare kits from US

As the tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the eastern Ladakh ages for months with no sign of dissolution, the Indian side has bought high altitude warfare kits from the US on an urgent basis, reports suggest citing officials with the knowledge of the matter. 

The step could be significant as the area of tension is very well known for its bone-chilling temperature and war at such place is dangerous.

The Indian Army used an agreement which allows the two militaries to take logistical assistance from each other such as buying fuel and spare parts for warships and aircraft, for the transaction, The Statesman reported citing the officials, who opted to remain anonymous.

Both sides have poured tens of thousands of troops into the border zone since fighting a pitched battle in June in which 20 Indian troops and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers were killed.

Meanwhile, India yesterday said that it had detained a Chinese soldier who strayed across the disputed frontier. The People's Liberation Army corporal was "apprehended" in the high altitude freezing desert area of Ladakh after crossing into Indian-controlled territory along their poorly demarcated border, an Indian army statement said.

India named the Chinese soldier who "strayed" as Corporal Wang Ya Long and said he had been given medical treatment against the extreme climate. India said the PLA had already made an approach and the corporal would be returned "as per established protocols".

Several rounds of talks have failed to significantly ease tensions and the neighbours -- who blame each other for the standoff -- are now digging in for a harsh winter at 4,200 metres in a region where temperatures regularly fall below minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 Fahrenheit).