Threat has by no means been reduced, will continue to deal with China in firm manner: Army Chief on border row New Delhi: Army Chief General MM Naravane, on Wednesday, said that India has continued to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while at the same time is engaging with the Chinese PLA in dialogue to resolve the border dispute. “On northern borders, we have continued to maintain the highest level of operational preparedness while at the same time, we are engaging with PLA through dialogue,” he said at a press briefing while commenting on the eastern Ladakh border row. The Army chief also asserted that India will continue to deal with the Chinese troops in a "firm and resolute" manner and that they are "more than adequately" prepared to deal with any military ramifications. "While there has been partial engagement, the threat has by no means been reduced," General Naravane said. The Army chief said that they are hopeful of resolving issues at Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs) as the two countries today held the 14th round of military talks on the eastern Ladakh standoff. "Talks are underway. While talks are underway, there is always hope that we will be able to resolve our differences through dialogue. We are much better prepared to meet any challenge that is thrown up at us in the future and I can assure you on that very confidently," he said. Responding to a question regarding the situation on the northern border, he said, "war or conflict is always an instrument of last resort. But if resorted to, we will come out victorious."He also noted that since January last year, there have been positive developments along the northern and western borders of India.