Jammu, June 14 -- The night of June 15, 2020, in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh was not merely another border skirmish. It marked a defining moment in the history of India-China relations, fundamentally altering the balance of power, military strategy, and political thinking along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Six years later, as we reflect in 2026, it is evident that Galwan was far more than a military confrontation; it was a watershed event that compelled India to reassess its entire approach toward China, border security, and strategic preparedness.

To understand the significance of Galwan, it is important to recall the situation that existed before 2020. For decades, China had pursued a "salami-slicing" strategy, periodically advanc...