On June 2020, when a severe hand-to-hand fighting broke out between Indian and Chinese troops, one thing was obvious, Indian men were outnumbered as a result of a continuing de-escalation on the day and location of the battle. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces were in for a surprise in Arunachal Pradesh come December 2022.

High-resolution satellite images taken only on the day of the fighting provide a different perspective, showing that the invading PLA detachment was probably confronted with a sizable Indian presence in the region dispersed across several advanced points.

Pictures captured by space firm Planet Labs PBC satellites passing over the LAC near the Yangtse area in Tawang on December 9 show the buildup near the possible location of the clashes in which both sides sustained injuries.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh confirmed today in front of the parliament that no Indian soldier was gravely hurt during the physical altercation as they successfully chased the Chinese forces away.

“On 9 December 2022, PLA troops tried to violate the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang sector and unilaterally change the status quo. The Chinese attempt was contested by our troops in a firm and resolute manner,” Singh said in a statement.

Nearby to the east are the snowcapped strategic high peaks that reach heights of 17,000 feet that many people think the PLA aims to seize control of. These remote peaks offer a vantage point from which to see developments occurring on the Indian side of Tawang.