According to the defence ministry's annual report for the financial year 2025-'26, China has significantly reduced its army deployment along India’s northern borders. However, 10 combined arms brigade-size forces remain deployed in areas along the Line of Actual Control and in traditional training areas. In addition, the Indian Army's deployment in all sectors along the Line of Actual Control is 'robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency'. The reduction in tensions between India and China could potentially lead to improved bilateral relations.
The Ministry of Defence's annual report for the financial year 2025-'26 states that China has significantly reduced its army deployment along India’s northern borders. However, 10 combined arms brigade-size forces remain deployed in areas along the Line of Actual Control and in traditional training areas. Each brigade of this size typically comprises about 5,000 personnel, according to independent analysts.
The Indian Army's deployment in all sectors along the Line of Actual Control is 'robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency', as per the defence ministry's report. This statement indicates that the Indian military is ready to respond to any potential conflicts or emergencies along the border.
Border tensions between India and China escalated in June 2020 when a violent face-off took place in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control. The clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, with Beijing reporting four Chinese soldier fatalities. Since the Galwan clashes, China and India have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve their border standoff.
In October 2024, the two countries announced that they had reached a patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control, leading to the disengagement of the two militaries in eastern Ladakh. However, points of contention remained at Demchok and Depsang. Diplomatic engagements following the patrolling arrangement have led to a thaw in India-China relations in the past two years.
The defence ministry also claimed that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir ‘remains firmly under control’. There had been a reduction in violence, protests had scaled down and there was no incident of stone pelting during the year. The situation within Manipur has shown ‘marked improvement’ after President's Rule was imposed in the state in February 2025.
Source:
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