PLA troop deployment along LAC saw significant decline in 2025: MoD report
The report, which covers FY2025-26, says the People’s Liberation Army has an additional 10 brigades deployed in its traditional training areas. While the report has been released this month, it is dated before the current round of border tensions in Arunachal Pradesh, which has also led to forward deployment of additional troops. “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 LAC and in traditional training areas,” it says. This would translate to about 45,000-50,000 Chinese troops along the LAC that stretches from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, with an equal number at traditional training areas.
During the 2020 border crisis, almost 60,000 Chinese troops were deployed along the Ladakh border. The report does not mention Indian deployments. The annual report does not specifically mention the situation in Arunachal but says that deployment of Indian Army in “all sectors along LAC is robust, well poised and prepared to deal with any emerging contingency.”
In the months after the report was finalised, there have been border tensions in at least two areas of Arunachal, with a corresponding increase in the number of forward deployed troops. Following the tensions, special representative-level talks took place, following which a Corps Commander level meeting was held earlier this month to resolve differences. “At ground level, Border Personnel Meetings continue with the PLA in all sectors in a cordial and friendly environment to resolve issues of concern,” it says.
On Op Sindoor, the report notes successful strikes by Indian armed forces that neutralised terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and incurred heavy losses on its armed forces. However, the report also notes that there was a gap in the ability of the Indian industry to supply drone and anti-drone products during the Operation, which is being addressed through fast-track development.
