Operation Falcon: How India's 1986 Standoff Reshaped Arunachal Pradesh Defense Against China

• Operation Falcon in 1986 marked a pivotal moment in India's defense strategy for Arunachal Pradesh, challenging the post-1962 war approach.
• The standoff began when Chinese forces established a presence in the Sumdorong Chu valley, prompting India to assert its claim near the McMahon Line.
• General K. Sundarji initiated a bold plan to airlift troops and occupy strategic high ground, surprising China and creating a tense military confrontation.
• Despite no combat, the crisis led to significant diplomatic engagement, including Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's historic 1988 visit to China.
• Operation Falcon demonstrated India's resolve to defend its territory, improved its mountain warfare capabilities, and fostered confidence-building measures along the LAC.