India Reports Significant Reduction in Chinese Troops Along Border

India's Defence Ministry reported a significant reduction in Chinese military deployment along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, attributing the drawdown to resumed diplomatic and military dialogue between the two nations. The assessment, detailed in the ministry's annual report for 2025-26, indicates that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) maintained 10 Combined Arms Brigade-sized forces along the LAC and in traditional training areas opposite India's northern borders. The report states that the Indian Army's deployment across all sectors of the LAC remains robust and well-poised to handle any emerging contingency. Officials credited the improved stability along the northern borders to positive political, diplomatic, and military engagements, including the resumption of Corps Commander-level talks. The 23rd such meeting was held in Eastern Ladakh in October 2025. The reduction in PLA forces follows a period of heightened tensions after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.