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China reduces PLA deployment along India's LAC in 2025
India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) Annual Report for 2025–26 reveals a significant reduction in the deployment of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the northern borders and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during 2025. This drawdown follows a 2024 disengagement agreement in the Depsang and Demchok sectors.
Despite the reduction, the PLA maintains a substantial presence, with approximately 10 combined arms brigades stationed along the LAC and another 10 in traditional training areas. This deployment is estimated to consist of roughly 40,000 to 50,000 troops. The MoD describes the northern border situation as ‘stable yet sensitive’.
In response, the Indian Army has maintained a ‘robust, well-poised, and prepared’ posture across all LAC sectors to manage potential contingencies. The report notes that increased political, diplomatic, and military dialogues have contributed to greater stability. Recent engagements include the 33rd and 34th rounds of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) and the resumption of Special Representatives (SR) talks.
Political reactions have been mixed. While the report suggests improving bilateral ties—bolstered by a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit—the Congress party has called for greater government transparency regarding specific troop numbers and patrolling rights in eastern Ladakh.
Entities
Indian Army · Ladakh · Line of Actual Control · Ministry of Defence · Narendra Modi · People's Liberation Army · Xi Jinping
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The reduction in Chinese troops follows a 2024 disengagement agreement in Depsang and Demchok. thenews21.com · www.news18.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) reduced its deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025. www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.tv9hindi.com · www.news18.com · defence.in · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The PLA has approximately 10 combined arms brigades deployed along the LAC and another 10 in traditional training areas. www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.tv9hindi.com · www.news18.com · defence.in · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Military-level talks and Border Personnel Meetings (BPM) between India and China have resumed. www.aajtak.in · assamtribune.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The northern border remains ‘stable yet sensitive’. www.news18.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] India has maintained its military deployment across all LAC sectors to remain prepared for challenges. www.aajtak.in · www.tv9hindi.com · defence.in · assamtribune.com · thenews21.com · +1 more