Indian Security Chief Confirms Ongoing Border Standoffs With China in Arunachal Pradesh
The encounters mark the first official acknowledgement of multi-point confrontations along the eastern frontier following years of diplomatic attempts to ease bilateral tensions.
Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in ongoing face-offs across several locations along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. Indo-Tibetan Border Police Director General Shatrujeet Kapur confirmed the confrontations during a ceremony in Alwar, Rajasthan.
His statements represent the first official confirmation by an Indian security official of ongoing, multi-location border frictions in the eastern sector. Kapur stated that a difficult situation arose in recent days and continues along the frontier.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue on Friday. He stated that border disturbances occur periodically when Chinese personnel diverge from established patrolling patterns. Jaiswal added that preserving peace and tranquillity remains essential for overall bilateral ties.
Government sources reported that the two militaries have been in a standoff since late July at Asaphila, near Taksing. Following routine patrol confrontations, Chinese troops set up tents on high ground. The site was six to seven kilometers inside India's perception of the border near the Maja operating base.
Kapur said newly raised Shaurya commando units trained for high-altitude combat mobilised and took a central role. He noted that traditional weapons alone cannot counter an adversary investing heavily in modern infrastructure and arms.
The border police force is establishing drone platoons across all units. Kapur stated that the agency spent 70 percent of a 400 crore rupee modernisation fund on drone and counter-drone systems.
Opposition leaders criticised the central government after the announcement. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the news alarming and questioned whether another confrontation like the 2020 Galwan Valley clash was occurring. Kharge demanded explanations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of maintaining silence.
In August, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed claims of Chinese incursions in the Taksing sector. Their statements followed a July report by the People's Party of Arunachal alleging heightened Chinese activity and blocked Indian patrol access.
The frictions emerged despite high-level meetings between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during multilateral summits. On Sept. 6, military commanders held Corps Commander-level talks at the Wacha-Damai meeting point to address the frontier issues.
Both nations continue to communicate through diplomatic and military channels to manage tensions. The two governments have agreed to hold further discussions to clarify mutual understanding of the boundary in designated sectors. The border force also plans to deploy a full battalion of Shaurya commandos, expand drone training, and build underground shelters.
