SRINAGAR, June 23: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Tuesday reviewed border security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir, with security and defence officials briefing members on measures taken to safeguard the country’s borders following the success of Operation Sindoor.
Committee member Rajiv Shukla said the interaction with Army officers, security agencies and defence personnel focused on border protection, the performance of security forces during Operation Sindoor, and the lessons learned for future preparedness.
The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, is on a four-day study visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to assess strategic border security, India’s foreign policy priorities and regional security challenges.
As part of the visit, the panel will travel to Kargil and Leh to gain first-hand knowledge of border management and the security situation in frontier regions.
The committee is examining issues related to India-Pakistan relations, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, cross-border terrorism along the Line of Control and the International Border, as well as India-China relations and the security scenario along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
Rajiv Shukla said the purpose of the visit is to understand future security requirements along the Pakistan border and review measures needed to strengthen national security while instilling confidence among local residents.
Responding to questions on the Iran-US peace process, Shukla said prolonged conflict had affected India’s economy and global trade. He expressed hope that peace would be restored soon, adding that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly improve India’s energy supplies and maritime trade.
