New Delhi: China reduced the deployment of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2025, while renewed political, diplomatic and military engagement between India and China helped bring greater stability to the northern borders, according to the Defence Ministry’s latest annual report.

The report said the PLA had 10 Combined Arms Brigade-size forces deployed in areas along the LAC, while another 10 such forces were stationed in traditional training areas.

At the same time, the Indian Army maintained a robust deployment across all sectors of the LAC and remained prepared to deal with any emerging contingency, the ministry said.

The assessment comes after the disengagement process along the India-China border and a renewed push by both sides to stabilise ties following years of military tensions.

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India-China border talks resume

The Defence Ministry said bilateral engagement at the political, diplomatic and military levels contributed to positive developments along the northern borders during 2025.

The two countries resumed meetings under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), with the 33rd and 34th rounds held in March and July 2025.

India and China also resumed talks between their Special Representatives on the boundary question, with two rounds taking place in December 2024 and August 2025.

The renewed diplomatic engagement was accompanied by continued military-level discussions aimed at managing issues along the disputed border.

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Military commanders hold talks in Eastern Ladakh

The process also extended to the ground level, with the two armies continuing Border Personnel Meetings across all sectors.

According to the Defence Ministry, these meetings continued in a cordial and friendly environment and were used to address issues of concern between Indian and Chinese forces.

Another major engagement highlighted in the report was the 23rd Corps Commander Level Meeting, held in Eastern Ladakh on October 25 and 26, 2025.

The ministry described the meeting as the senior-most military commander-level engagement and said the discussions reflected the constructive direction of India-China relations.

Modi's China visit reinforced improving ties

The Defence Ministry also pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin in August 2025 as another development that reinforced the improvement in bilateral relations.

The combination of high-level political engagement, diplomatic talks and military dialogue contributed to what the ministry described as stability along the northern borders.

Despite the reduction in PLA deployment, however, India has maintained a strong military posture along the LAC.

The Defence Ministry said the Indian Army’s deployment in all sectors remains robust and well poised, with the force prepared to respond to any emerging contingency.

The report’s assessment therefore reflects a shift from the prolonged border confrontation towards greater engagement between the two sides, while India continues to maintain its military preparedness along the LAC.