Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has stated that Indian and Chinese troops continue to face off at multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Kapoor made the remarks while addressing ITBP personnel at an event in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday. He highlighted the continuing border security challenges and stressed the importance of strengthening the force’s operational preparedness.
He also praised the role of the ITBP’s newly formed Shaurya commandos in responding to challenging situations along the border.
What Did the ITBP Chief Say?
- Kapoor stated that Indian and Chinese soldiers had faced off at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and that the situation remained ongoing.
- He emphasised the importance of specialised mountain combat capabilities, noting that difficult terrain and China’s military modernisation require India to strengthen its border preparedness.
- Important clarification: A face-off does not necessarily mean an exchange of gunfire or a major armed clash. Kapoor’s reported remarks do not establish that continuous fighting is taking place across the entire Arunachal Pradesh border.
Shaurya Commandos and Border Preparedness
- Kapoor praised the performance of the ITBP’s newly established Shaurya commandos, a specialised combat unit intended to strengthen the force’s response to difficult border situations.
- The ITBP plans to expand this capability across its border battalions to improve readiness for sudden confrontations in high altitude terrain.
- The force is also introducing a specialised training programme called the Strike course to prepare personnel for close combat situations, including scenarios similar to the 2020 Galwan Valley confrontation. The training programme is expected to expand across the force by the end of 2027.
ITBP Strengthens Focus on Drones and Modern Equipment
Kapoor highlighted the importance of modern technology and equipment in border security. The ITBP is strengthening its capabilities in several areas:
- Drone units: Improving surveillance and operational response along the border.
- Counter drone systems: Strengthening preparedness against emerging aerial threats.
- Underground shelters: Developing protected facilities for personnel at vulnerable forward posts.
- Modern equipment: Upgrading weapons and acquiring vehicles suited to high altitude terrain.
- Specialised training: Improving combat readiness for sudden confrontations in mountainous areas.
These measures are intended to strengthen border security and improve the safety of personnel deployed in challenging weather and terrain.
Why Arunachal Pradesh Is Strategically Important
- Arunachal Pradesh shares a sensitive frontier with China, which claims much of the Indian-administered state. India rejects China’s territorial claims and considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of the country.
- The border dispute has continued despite diplomatic and military discussions between the two countries. Concerns over patrol access, military infrastructure and developments near the frontier remain important aspects of India-China relations.
- Claims about territorial encroachment or the loss of Indian patrol access should be assessed separately and supported by reliable evidence.
Congress Questions the Modi Government’s China Policy
- Following Kapoor’s remarks, Congress leaders criticised the central government’s handling of relations with China.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the government had remained silent about developments along the Arunachal Pradesh border. He also raised concerns about reported restrictions on Indian patrol access, China’s renaming of locations in Arunachal Pradesh and a proposed major hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet.
- These statements represent Congress’s political criticism and should be distinguished from Kapoor’s remarks about ongoing face-offs.
- The opposition also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 2020 remarks following the Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
What Does This Mean for India’s Security?
- Kapoor’s remarks highlight the importance of maintaining operational readiness along India’s sensitive border with China, even as both countries continue diplomatic engagement.
- The ITBP’s focus on specialised commandos, drones, modern equipment and improved infrastructure reflects efforts to prepare personnel for evolving security challenges.
- However, the precise scale of the current face-offs, whether shots have been fired during the latest incidents, and whether there has been any change in territorial control have not been established by the reported remarks.
- Further clarification from the ITBP, Indian Army or Ministry of External Affairs would help establish additional operational details.
Business Galaxy’s report: The ITBP chief’s remarks draw attention to continuing border security challenges in Arunachal Pradesh. The reported face-offs should be distinguished from claims of sustained fighting, while political allegations about the government’s China policy should be attributed to the leaders making them.
