India Reports Significant Reduction in Chinese Border Troops

The Ministry of Defence of India reported in its Annual Report 2025-26 that China significantly reduced People's Liberation Army troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during 2025. The reduction included 10 combined-arms brigade-level formations from both the LAC and traditional training areas, potentially totaling 100,000 fewer personnel. Despite this drawdown, the ministry warned that the military threat remains substantial, as Beijing maintains 10 combined-arms brigade-sized formations in each area, alongside considerable missile systems, air defense systems, and tanks.

Bilateral stability was supported by continuous political and diplomatic engagement, including three meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping since October 2024 and the resumption of Special Representatives dialogues. Modi's August 2025 visit to China for the SCO Summit also reinforced relations. However, recent tensions in Arunachal Pradesh led to increased forward deployments and a Corps Commander-level meeting on September 6 at the Vacha-Damai border point.

In response to the ongoing threat, India maintains a robust military posture to counter the advantage of the flat plateau terrain on the Chinese side. India has also expanded strategic infrastructure to facilitate rapid troop movement, including the commissioning of the Mudh-Nyoma airfield and the completion of the Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh, as well as the Pinjoli Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh.