ITBP Chief Reports Ongoing Border Face-offs With China in Arunachal Pradesh During Modernization and Opposition Criticism

Tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Both sides suffered casualties during that event. New friction points emerged in Arunachal Pradesh. The Nah Welfare Society reported in June 2026 that Chinese forces occupied grazing grounds and built infrastructure near the border. Reports emerged in July 2026 of a stand-off near Taksing in the Upper Subansiri district. Harsh weather limits long-range patrols in this sector to the window between June and October. Overlapping patrol patterns complicate the maintenance of the status quo in these remote, high-altitude regions.

1. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is modernizing to address border threats. Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur announced the force received 4 billion rupees (Rs 400 crore) in funding. The ITBP dedicated 70 percent of that budget to drone warfare. The Ministry of Home Affairs approved a separate 40 billion rupee (Rs 4,000 crore) modernization plan. That plan allocates 10 billion rupees (Rs 1,000 crore) for anti-drone systems.

2. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) formed specialized combat teams to manage border face-offs. The ITBP deployed "Shaurya commandos" to Arunachal Pradesh. These units performed during confrontations. The force plans to integrate these commandos into every border battalion.

3. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is overhauling its training to prepare for high-intensity combat. The force launched a "Strike" training course to simulate scenarios similar to the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The ITBP aims to train its entire personnel by the end of 2027.

4. The Indian government manages the border through diplomatic channels. India and China have held three rounds of high-level border talks since July 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs reports that the situation fluctuates when Chinese forces deviate from established patrol patterns.

1. The Congress party has accused the BJP-led government of withholding information regarding border skirmishes. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh alleged that the administration has failed to address the tensions and has suppressed reports of incidents that have occurred since July 2026.

2. Critics argue that India has lost access to patrolling points. Jairam Ramesh claimed that India lost access to specific patrolling points in Arunachal Pradesh. Ramesh stated that China is renaming towns in the region. He also reported that China is constructing a 60,000 MW dam.

3. Past border incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of current strategies. In July 2026, Chinese troops reportedly pitched tents 6-7 km within India's perception of the Line of Actual Control following a confrontation near Maja.