Chinese troop deployment along LAC reduced in 2025: Defence Ministry report
On engagements with China, the Defence Ministry said the bilateral interactions at political, diplomatic and military levels facilitated positive developments along the northern borders, leading to stability
China significantly reduced the deployment of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces across the northern borders in 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in its 2025-2026 annual report on Monday (September 14).
It said 10 Combined Arms Brigade size forces each remain deployed in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in traditional training areas.
Modi-Xi meeting
The announcement comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meeting between Modi and Jinping lasted more than 50 minutes.
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During the meeting, Modi told Jinping that peace and tranquillity in border areas is key to India-China relations.
“The prime minister emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remains an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations. He underlined the need for both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border related issues,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
What MoD annual report said
In its annual report, the Defence Ministry, under the title “Situation along Northern Front”, spoke about the “Overall Situation”. It said the deployment of Indian Army along the LAC is “robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency”.
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“The year 2025 witnessed significant reduction in deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Forces opposite Northern Borders, with 10 Combined Arms Brigade size forces each deployed in areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in traditional training areas. The deployment of IA in all sectors along the LAC is robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency,” MoD said.
On engagements with China, the Defence Ministry said the bilateral interactions at political, diplomatic and military levels facilitated positive developments along the northern borders, leading to stability.
“The year witnessed renewed engagements with 33rd and 34th round of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings in March & July 2025 respectively. In addition, the year also witnessed resumption of Special Representatives (SR) talks to address the India-China boundary question with two rounds of talks held in December 2024 & August 2025,” it said.
“The positive developments in bilateral relationships between both countries were further reinforced during Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to China for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in August 2025,” it added.
Border personnel meetings continue
The ministry said constructive discourse on relations was also reflected during the 23rd Corps Commander Level Meet (Senior Highest Military Commander Level Meet) conducted in Eastern Ladakh on 25-26 October 2025.
“At ground level, Border Personnel Meetings continue with the PLA in all sectors in a cordial and friendly environment to resolve issues of concern,” the ministry said.