There has been a significant reduction in the deployment of Chinese forces across the northern borders after India’s move to deploy 10 brigade-size forces in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in training areas, the Defence Ministry said in its annual report for 2025-26 today.
Explaining the overall situation along the northern front in 2025, the Defence Ministry said the 10 brigade-size forces were of the combined arms type.
“The deployment of IA (Indian Army) in all sectors along the LAC is robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency,” the annual report said. “The year 2025 witnessed significant reduction in deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Forces opposite Northern Borders, with 10 Combined Arms Brigade size forces each deployed in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in traditional training areas,” the report said. “The positive developments in bilateral relationships between both countries were further reinforced during Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to China for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in August 2025,” it said.
“The awaam (public) has chosen to follow the path of development and has been actively participating in large numbers in all government and IA run initiatives. Earlier reporting noted: Chinese troop deployment along LAC fell in 2025, says defence ministry report Chinese deployments along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) thinned last year, the defence ministry has said, noting that sustained engagements between India and China contributed to positive developments and stability along the country’s northern borders. The Chinese PLA had positioned 10 combined arms brigades along the LAC, with another 10 stationed in traditional training areas away from the frontier, the 2025-26 report said.
The same has resulted in reduction in violence levels, scaled down protests and zero incidents of stone pelting,” the report said. Earlier reporting noted: “The year 2025 witnessed a significant reduction in the deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces opposite the northern borders,” the defence ministry said in its latest annual report, reviewed by HT. Earlier reporting noted: India on Saturday emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remain the “essential basis” for developing ties with China, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping welcomed “steady progress” in bilateral relations during a meeting on the margins of the Brics Summit in New Delhi.
