While India stands to resolve the differences peacefully, Army Chief General MM Naravane said it should not be mistaken as weakness

In a clear message to China, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane on Friday said no one should make any mistake of testing India's patience though it is committed to resolving the border standoff along the northern frontier through talks and political efforts.

Speaking at the Army Day parade, Gen Naravane said a "befitting response" was given to the "conspiracy" to make unilateral changes on the border and that the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes in eastern Ladakh will not go waste.

While India stands to resolve the differences peacefully, the Army Chief made clear that it should not be mistaken as our weakness.

"We are committed to resolve disputes through talks and political efforts but no one should make any mistake of testing our patience," he said.

"I want to assure the country that the sacrifice of the Galwan heroes will not go waste. Indian Army will not allow any harm to the country's sovereignty and security," he added.

Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 last year in Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

Both sides have been engaged in talks, both at the diplomatic and military level to defuse the tension. The focus now is on the night round of military talks which is expected to take place soon.

"Our efforts will continue to find a solution to the current situation based on mutual and equal security," he said.

Lauding the efforts of the Indian Army, Gen Naravane said that even amid the Covid times, the armed forces bravely stayed at the northern borders.

"Last year had been very challenging for our nation and the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces bravely stayed at the northern borders while also battling the pandemic efficiently. I am proud that we had the support of our veterans in carrying this out," he said.

Referring to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, he said the neighboring country continues to provide a safe haven to terrorists.

"Strong response is being given to the enemy on the other border. Pakistan continues to provide a safe haven to terrorists. In the training camps, across the LoC (Line of Control), around 300-400 terrorists are ready to infiltrate," Gen Naravane said.

"There was an increase of 40 percent in the ceasefire violations last year which is the proof of Pakistan's sinister plans. There were also attempts to smuggle weapons using drones," he added.