India reports continuing China face-offs on Arunachal Pradesh border

India's paramilitary force ITBP confirmed ongoing military stand-offs with Chinese forces at select points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a statement by ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur on October 23, 2026. The India Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by cautioning that Chinese deviations from established patrolling patterns continue to create disturbances at the border, while emphasizing that maintenance of peace and tranquility is essential for bilateral relations.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that both sides continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and prevent miscalculation along the LAC. He noted that India and China have agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. The statement echoed messaging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last month, where both leaders expressed commitment to a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of boundary questions.

The ITBP chief emphasized that Indian forces have handled the face-offs effectively, and called for enhanced drone and anti-drone capabilities to counter perceived capability gaps with the People's Liberation Army. Kapur stated that 70 percent of a Rs 400 crore modernization budget has been allocated to upgrading drone warfare capabilities, with drone platoons being added to all ITBP border units. He also cited the need to redefine ITBP as a specialized high-altitude fighting force distinct from the Army.

The reported face-offs occur as India and China work to normalize ties following the 2020 border clash. India's opposition Congress party called for transparency on border status, questioning whether pre-May 2020 territorial positions have been restored and demanding an all-party delegation visit to Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the situation independently.