China reduced its military deployment along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, with the Defence Ministry attributing the development to sustained political, diplomatic and military engagement between India and China.
The ministry said the change contributed to greater stability along India’s northern borders, even as fresh tensions have since emerged in Arunachal Pradesh.
PLA deployment reduced along LAC
“The year 2025 witnessed a significant reduction in the deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces opposite the northern borders,” the Defence Ministry said in its latest annual report.
According to the report, the PLA had 10 combined arms brigades deployed along the LAC, while another 10 remained in traditional training areas away from the frontier.
The deployment translates to an estimated 40,000-50,000 Chinese troops along the LAC, with a similar number stationed in the training areas.
The report does not provide a comparable figure for the previous year. However, more than 60,000 PLA troops were estimated to have been deployed in Ladakh alone before India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 to disengage from all friction points.
Engagements helped ease border tensions
“The bilateral interactions between India and China at political, diplomatic and military levels facilitated positive developments along the northern borders,” the report said.
It added that the Indian Army's deployment across all sectors of the LAC remains robust and that the force is prepared to respond to emerging contingencies.
The report covers developments until March 31, 2026, and therefore does not include the latest tensions reported between Indian and Chinese troops in Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh.
Modi-Xi meeting comes amid fresh tensions
The report's assessment comes as India and China continue efforts to normalise bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in New Delhi and welcomed “steady progress” in relations.
The meeting followed reports of face-offs between the two armies in Arunachal Pradesh during July and August. India and China also held their first corps commander-level talks in the eastern sector on September 6 and 7.
Defence Ministry highlights lessons from Operation Sindoor
The report also examined Operation Sindoor, the four-day military confrontation with Pakistan in May 2025.
“After the operation, India undertook a comprehensive review of capability voids with a clear focus on force restructuring, enhancing jointness and integrating emerging technologies,” it said.
The ministry also stressed the need for greater integration among the three armed forces, describing theatre-isation as essential for meeting future security challenges.