Defence Ministry Report Notes Major Decline in Chinese Military Deployment

The deployment of Chinese military forces along India’s northern borders witnessed a notable decline in 2025, with the Indian Army maintaining a strong presence across sectors along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to the Defence Ministry’s annual report for 2025-26. The report said the reduction in Chinese deployment came after India positioned 10 brigade-sized formations in areas along the LAC as well as in traditional training zones. A brigade generally comprises around 3,000 personnel, along with supporting elements.

The Defence Ministry described the Indian Army’s posture along the northern frontier as strong and well-prepared to respond to any emerging security challenge. It said the formations deployed by India were of the combined-arms variety, bringing together different military capabilities under a unified structure.

Combined-arms formations typically integrate infantry, armoured elements, artillery and air-defence capabilities, allowing them to operate with greater independence and respond effectively to battlefield contingencies. According to the report, the year 2025 saw a "significant reduction" in the presence of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces opposite India’s northern borders. At the same time, both countries continued diplomatic and military engagements that contributed to greater stability along the frontier.

The report highlighted the continuation of dialogue through the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). The 33rd and 34th rounds of the mechanism were held in March and July 2025 respectively. India and China also resumed talks between their Special Representatives on the long-standing boundary issue. Two rounds of discussions took place in December 2024 and August 2025 as part of efforts to address border-related concerns.

The Defence Ministry noted that improving bilateral engagement was further reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in August 2025. Military-to-military communication also remained active. The report pointed to the 23rd Corps Commander-level meeting held in Eastern Ladakh on October 25-26, 2025, describing it as another indication of constructive engagement between the two sides.

At the ground level, Border Personnel Meetings between Indian and Chinese troops continued across different sectors. These interactions were described as cordial and aimed at resolving issues and preventing local concerns from escalating. The annual report was released a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping departed New Delhi following the BRICS Summit, adding significance to the latest assessment of India-China military and diplomatic engagement.

Jammu and Kashmir Situation: The Defence Ministry also assessed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the overall environment remained under control due to sustained efforts by the Indian Army and other security agencies. The report said public participation in government and Army-led development initiatives had increased, while violence levels and protests had declined. It also reported no incidents of stone pelting during the period under review.

The security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC) underwent major changes during Operation Sindoor, according to the report. The situation subsequently stabilised to a considerable degree following talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGsMO) of India and Pakistan on May 10 and May 12, 2025. The Defence Ministry cautioned that the situation remained unpredictable, underlining the need for continued vigilance along the LoC and in Jammu and Kashmir.

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