In a surprise move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Leh Friday morning to interact with defence personnel, weeks after a border clash with China in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley  left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by top defence officials,  met IAF, ITBP and Army personnel at Nimoo, near Leh, according to  TV reports. He was accompanied by the chief of defence staff, army chief and top defence officers, reports added. He is also expected to visit Leh hospital to meet soldiers injured in a clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley.  

Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit the area but the visit was called off. The PM’s visit also comes amid intense Opposition criticism of the government over alleged mishandling of the situation.

Experts see this trip as a strong message to China. “This sends a clear message to China and boosts the morale of forces,”  a strategic affairs expert told a TV channel.

The visit comes days after the Prime Minister said that India would give a ‘befitting’ reply to those casting an evil eye on Indian territory.   “Those who cast an evil eye on Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response. India honours the spirit of friendship… she is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary, without shying away. Our brave soldiers have proven that they will not let anyone cast an evil eye on the glory and honour of Mother India,” Modi said in his Mann ki Baat address.

India has been in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation in Ladakh, first in Galwan Valley and now in Pangong Tso lake area, where the two nations have often sparred over the LAC that runs through water.