Explained: In India-China standoff in Ladakh, why Chushul sector is critical

News: The Chushul sub-sector has come into focus due to the standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops.

Facts:

  • Chushul Sub-Sector: It lies south of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. It comprises high, broken mountains and heights of Thatung, Black Top, Helmet Top, Gurung Hill, and Magger Hill besides passes such as Rezang La and Rechin La, the Spanggur Gap and the Chushul valley.
  • Importance of Chushul to India: Chushul enjoys strategic and tactical importance because of its location and terrain which make it a centre for logistics deployment.
    • The sector has plains that are a couple of kilometres wide where mechanised forces including tanks can be deployed.Its airstrip and connectivity by road to Leh add to its operational advantages.
  • Importance of Chushul to China: Simply put, Chushul is the gateway to Leh. If China enters Chushul, it can launch its operations for Leh.