Arunachal Pradesh: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has reported ongoing face-offs with Chinese troops along the Arunachal Pradesh border. ITBP Chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, an IPS officer of 1990 batch from the Haryana cadre, said the force has strengthened its combat readiness, improved training, and introduced new technologies to deal with security challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The ITBP is also preparing its personnel for difficult situations through specialised training, modern equipment, and better infrastructure in high-altitude areas. The developments come as India continues to focus on border security and military preparedness along its frontier with China.
India China Border Tensions: ITBP Strengthens Combat Readiness
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has raised a new combat unit called the Shaurya Commandos. The unit has demonstrated its capabilities during face-offs with Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
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ITBP Chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor said the force is strengthening its combat readiness along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The new commandos will be deployed in every border battalion as part of the force’s efforts to improve its operational capabilities.
According to Kapoor, the force is also focusing on modernisation, specialised training, and emerging warfare technologies to respond to changing security challenges.
Shaurya Commandos Prepare For Border Challenges
The Shaurya Commandos are being trained to handle difficult operational situations along the China border.
Their training focuses on improving the ability of personnel to respond to face-offs and other security challenges in high-altitude areas.
The ITBP has also introduced a new Strike course to prepare personnel for combat situations similar to the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The force aims to improve the skills, discipline, and operational readiness of its personnel through specialised training.
ITBP Expands Drone And Anti-Drone Capabilities
The ITBP has increased its focus on drone technology as part of its border security modernisation plan. The force has raised drone platoons in all its border-guarding battalions. These platoons are being trained to operate drones and use the technology for different operational requirements.
The ITBP has received ₹400 crore in government funding, with around 70% earmarked for strengthening its drone warfare capabilities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also approved a ₹4,000-crore modernisation plan. This includes ₹1,000 crore for drone and anti-drone systems. These systems are expected to support surveillance, improve operational awareness, and help the force respond to emerging security threats.
India China Border Tensions: ITBP Improves Infrastructure In Forward Areas
The ITBP is also strengthening infrastructure at forward locations along the China border. The force is building underground shelters in border areas to reduce the risks faced by personnel during a conflict.
Underground shelters can provide better protection because above-ground structures may become targets during military operations. The force is also upgrading troop facilities in high-altitude areas.
These improvements include insulated barracks, solar water heaters, generator sets, and other facilities to support personnel at remote border posts.
The ITBP has introduced cold-start kits to help vehicles and equipment operate in freezing conditions. These measures are designed to improve the living conditions of personnel and support their operational readiness in difficult weather.
India China Border Tensions: Galwan Valley Clash Remains An Important Reference
The ITBP’s new training measures include preparation for combat situations similar to the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020. During the clash in eastern Ladakh, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent confrontation with Chinese troops.
China later acknowledged the deaths of four of its soldiers. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by Indian forces along the LAC and increased attention on border preparedness.
The ITBP’s current focus on specialised training, modern equipment, and better infrastructure reflects the importance of preparing personnel for difficult situations.
ITBP Aims To Become A Specialised Mountain-Fighting Force
ITBP Chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor said the force is working to develop specialised capabilities for high-altitude mountain warfare.
The force is strengthening its training, technology, and infrastructure to respond to changing security challenges along the China border.
The ITBP operates in difficult mountain areas where extreme cold, difficult terrain, and limited infrastructure can affect military operations. Improved facilities and specialised training are expected to help personnel operate more effectively in these conditions. The force’s modernisation efforts also include better surveillance and the use of new technologies.
Read also: Why China Reduced Troops Near India’s Border While Keeping Its Military Power Intact
FAQs
The Shaurya Commandos are a newly raised ITBP combat unit. They have demonstrated their capabilities during face-offs with Chinese troops and are part of the force’s efforts to strengthen border security.
ITBP Chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor said face-offs with Chinese troops are ongoing along the Arunachal Pradesh border. He also highlighted the force’s efforts to improve combat readiness through specialised training and modern technology.
The ITBP is improving security through specialised training, drone and anti-drone systems, upgraded infrastructure, underground shelters, insulated barracks, and equipment designed for high-altitude conditions.
