New Delhi:According to India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) annual report 2025-26, China reduced the number of forward-deployed troops near the India-China border during 2025. However, the report also notes that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to maintain significant military strength near the frontier.
The information comes from official assessments published by the Ministry of Defence and reflects the latest security situation along the northern borders.
India China Border Relations: What Does The Ministry Of Defence Report Say
The Ministry of Defence’s Annual Report 2025-26 states that China reduced the deployment of troops positioned directly opposite Indian forces along the LAC during 2025. Despite this reduction, the PLA continues to maintain 10 Combined Arms Brigade-sized formations facing the LAC.
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In addition, another 10 brigades remain stationed in traditional military training areas that can be mobilized if required. Military experts estimate that a standard PLA Combined Arms Brigade consists of around 5,000 personnel. This means China still maintains an estimated frontline presence of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 troops near the disputed border region.
What is PLA Combined Arms Brigades
A Combined Arms Brigade is a modern military formation that combines infantry, armored vehicles, artillery, air defence units, reconnaissance teams, and logistics support. These brigades are designed to conduct independent operations with high mobility and rapid response capability.
Why Are These Brigades Important
Combined Arms Brigades are considered the backbone of the PLA’s modern combat structure. Their presence near the LAC allows China to maintain military readiness while reducing the need for large troop concentrations.
What is The Current India China Border Relations Since Galwan Valley Clash
During the peak of the India-China border tensions following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, China reportedly deployed nearly 60,000 troops near the LAC.
The latest MoD assessment indicates a partial reduction in these deployments. However, the remaining force structure shows that China continues to maintain a substantial military capability along the border. As a result, Indian security agencies continue to closely monitor developments across all sectors of the LAC.
Renewed Diplomatic Engagement Between India And China
The reduction in forward deployment has been linked to improved diplomatic and military engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. Over the past year, both countries have increased communication through several established mechanisms.
WMCC Meetings Resume
India and China conducted the 33rd and 34th rounds of the Working Mechanism For Consultation And Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs during March and July 2025. These meetings focused on maintaining peace and stability along the border.
Special Representatives Talks
The Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary dispute was also revived.
Important meetings were held in December 2024 and August 2025 to discuss border management and long-term solutions.
Prime Minister Modi’s SCO Summit Visit
According to the Ministry of Defence report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in August 2025 played a positive role in improving bilateral relations.
The visit helped revive high-level engagement between the two countries after several years of strained ties. Diplomatic observers view the summit as an important step toward rebuilding trust.
India China Border Relations: Expanding Military-Level Talks
Military commanders from both countries have continued discussions aimed at reducing tensions on the ground.
The 23rd Corps Commander-level meeting was held in Eastern Ladakh in late October 2025. These meetings focused on preventing misunderstandings and maintaining stability in sensitive areas.
Border Personnel Meetings
Routine Border Personnel Meetings between Indian Army and PLA officers have continued across various sectors. These interactions help maintain communication and reduce the risk of accidental escalation.
New Meeting In Arunachal Pradesh Sector
A significant development occurred in early September 2026 when both sides held their first Corps Commander-level meeting in the Eastern Sector. The meeting took place at the Vacha-Damai border meeting point in Arunachal Pradesh.
Defence analysts see this as an important expansion of conflict-management mechanisms along the entire disputed border.
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FAQs
A PLA Combined Arms Brigade is a modern military formation that combines infantry, armored units, artillery, air defence, reconnaissance, and logistics support into a single combat-ready force.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence assessment, China maintains an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 troops near the Line of Actual Control through 10 Combined Arms Brigade-sized formations.
The situation has shown signs of improvement through reduced troop deployments and increased diplomatic engagement. However, both countries continue to maintain significant military readiness along the border.
