PLA deployment opposite India’s northern borders declined significantly during 2025, but China continues to maintain strong military capabilities and infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to the Defence Ministry’s Annual Report 2025-26.

The assessment comes as India and China continue diplomatic and military engagement to manage the border situation while maintaining preparedness across sensitive sectors.

PLA Deployment Reduced Along Northern Border

The Defence Ministry report says 10 combined-arms brigade-level formations deployed in areas near the LAC and traditional military training zones were reduced during 2025.

A combined-arms brigade can include around 5,000 personnel, but the report does not mean that 50,000 Chinese troops were directly withdrawn from the LAC. The formations mentioned covered both LAC-facing locations and military training areas.

The reduction indicates a lower level of forward deployment compared with earlier periods, but it does not remove the wider security challenge along the India-China border.

China Maintains Military Capabilities Near LAC

China continues to maintain troops and military infrastructure near the northern frontier. The report also points to the presence of missile systems, air defence equipment and tanks.

Geography remains another important factor. Several areas on the Chinese side of the LAC consist of relatively flat plateau terrain, which can allow military personnel, equipment and supplies to be moved comparatively quickly.

India has therefore maintained military preparedness across different sectors of the northern frontier to respond to possible security contingencies.

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India-China Dialogue Shows Positive Developments

Diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing has continued alongside military-level communication.

According to the report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have held three meetings since October 2024. In August 2026, National Security Adviser and Special Representative Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

During their discussions, both sides agreed to continue efforts toward finding a political solution to the boundary question while considering the long-term interests of India and China.

Continued communication has helped both countries manage the border situation and keep diplomatic channels open.

India Boosts Border Infrastructure

India is also strengthening infrastructure along strategically important parts of the northern frontier.

The Border Roads Organisation has accelerated construction of tunnels and other infrastructure designed to improve all-weather connectivity in high-altitude and difficult areas. Better roads and tunnels can support the movement of troops, equipment and essential supplies.

The Mudh-Nyoma airfield in eastern Ladakh is another important development. Located at an altitude of around 13,700 feet, the airfield is expected to improve India's operational capabilities and logistical access near the LAC.

Why LAC Preparedness Remains Important

The Defence Ministry's assessment presents two important developments. Chinese forward deployment declined during 2025, while China's broader military capabilities and infrastructure along the border remain substantial.

For India, this means reduced PLA deployment cannot be viewed as the end of the security challenge. Maintaining adequate forces, improving connectivity and monitoring military activity remain important for border security.