New Delhi, Sept. 14 -- China significantly reduced the deployment of its People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, nearly a year after India and China agreed to disengage troops from all friction points along their disputed border, the Defence Ministry said in its latest annual report. The ministry said 10 Combined Arms Brigade-sized PLA forces remained deployed along the LAC, with another 10 stationed in traditional training areas. The deployment along the frontier is estimated at 40,000-50,000 troops, with a similar number in the training areas. At the same time, the Indian Army maintained a "robust, well poised" deployment across all sectors and remained prepared to deal with any emerging contingency.
The 323-page report, which covers developments up to March 31, 2026, did not state the PLA strength along the LAC in the preceding year. However, more than 60,000 Chinese troops were estimated to have been deployed in Ladakh alone before the October 2024 understanding between the two countries that led to disengagement at all friction points and ended a military standoff lasting more than four years.
"The bilateral interactions between India and China at political, diplomatic and military levels facilitated positive developments along the northern borders," the ministry said.
The reduction in Chinese deployments came as both countries revived several dialogue mechanisms. The 33rd and 34th meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination were held in March and July 2025, while Special Representatives' talks on the boundary question resumed in August after a round in December 2024. Military-level contacts also continued, including the 23rd Corps Commander Level Meet in eastern Ladakh on October 25-26. The ministry said Border Personnel Meetings with the PLA continued in all sectors in a "cordial and friendly environment" to resolve issues of concern. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin in August also contributed to renewed engagement.
The latest report, however, predates fresh tensions between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh. Reports of face-offs emerged in July and August, prompting further military engagement. India and China held their first corps commander-level talks in the eastern sector on September 6-7, shortly after the 25th round of Special Representatives' talks in Beijing.
Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping also met for more than 50 minutes in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders welcomed progress in bilateral ties. Modi said peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained the "essential basis" for further development of relations, while Xi said China viewed ties with India from a "strategic and long-term perspective".
The Defence Ministry report also assessed lessons from Operation Sindoor, the four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May 2025. It said the operation exposed gaps in domestic capabilities for unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS and loitering munitions. The subsequent review focused on force restructuring, greater jointness and emerging technologies.
"Theatre-isation is imperative to meet future challenges," the report said, noting that 29 per cent of deliverables had been completed and 35 per cent of joint doctrines finalised. It said greater integration among the three services was necessary for operational readiness and the eventual creation of theatre commands.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.