UKHRUL: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday attributed recurring disturbances along the India-China border to Chinese troops deviating from established patrolling patterns, as the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) confirmed continuing face-offs with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including in Arunachal Pradesh.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the situation along the border periodically becomes tense when Chinese forces move away from established patrolling patterns. He added that both countries continued to engage through existing diplomatic and military channels to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the LAC.
Jaiswal reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas was essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. He also said both sides had agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in certain areas to strengthen border management.
The remarks followed ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur’s confirmation on Thursday that face-offs with Chinese troops were continuing at multiple locations. Speaking at the Himveer Samman Samaroh in Alwar, Rajasthan, Kapur said the force’s newly raised Shaurya commando teams had performed well during the ongoing confrontations.
The reported face-offs began during routine patrolling in July, including an encounter near Maja in Arunachal Pradesh. Tensions have also been reported in the Asaphila area near Taksing.
In a report published on August 5, The Arunachal Times reported allegations by locals in Taksing circle of Upper Subansiri district that Chinese troops had entered Pukar La and Ollo. Nah Welfare Society chairman Keru Chader had claimed that the PLA was moving closer to nearby villages, while the Indian Army had dismissed earlier allegations of Chinese encroachment in the area.
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Kapur also indicated that Chinese personnel had pitched military tents around six to seven kilometres from India’s perception of the LAC in areas including Asaphila and near Taksing. Indian forces had responded with counter-deployments to maintain their positions and prevent further encroachment.
The developments come despite continued military-level engagement between the two countries, including Corps Commander-level talks held on September 6 at the Wacha-Damai Border Personnel Meeting Point in Arunachal Pradesh. The precise circumstances and locations of the ongoing face-offs have not been publicly detailed.
Kapur also called for modernisation of the ITBP’s weapons and equipment, stating that some of the force’s weapons were around 50 years old. He stressed the need for greater investment in drone and counter-drone technologies, citing China’s advances in military equipment and infrastructure.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran and the United States, Kapur said drone technology had changed modern warfare and could enable countries with comparatively limited conventional military capabilities to challenge larger powers.
He also highlighted measures to strengthen the ITBP’s preparedness, including specialised combat training, enhanced drone capabilities and the construction of underground shelters at forward posts to protect personnel in the event of armed conflict.