'We Were Preparing For War': Former DGMO Reveals Inside Story Of India-China Doklam Stand-Off

Former DG Military Operations Lt Gen A.K. Bhatt discussed India’s response during the 2017 Doklam stand-off with China. He stressed the need to be fully prepared for war without triggering conflict, including moving critical assets such as BrahMos missiles from the western to eastern borders. Bhatt recalled tense near-miss situations in Sikkim, where large numbers of Chinese guns and tanks neared the border, and explained how both sides prevented escalation through strategic, chess-like troop deployments. In the absence of a hotline, face-to-face commander-level communication ensured that messages reached the highest authority. Reflecting on the crisis, Bhatt spoke of sleepless nights and lauded the discipline, readiness, and strength of the Indian armed forces.