Saralnama
Several of China’s People’s Liberation Army combined arms brigades remain forward-deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite India and China agreeing to discuss de-escalation. Senior Indian Army officers noted that while some Chinese brigades have pulled back about 100 km recently, many units continue to be stationed in forward areas with border defence regiments. Each brigade typically includes 4,500–5,000 troops equipped with tanks, artillery, and advanced weapon systems. China’s extensive infrastructure along the LAC enables rapid troop movement, allowing forces to pull back and return within hours. Since PLA incursions in eastern Ladakh in 2020, both sides have maintained heavy deployments across the 3,488-km LAC. Although disengagement at friction points Depsang and Demchok occurred in October 2024, PLA military preparedness and infrastructure buildup persist. India and China have agreed to create general-level mechanisms for eastern and middle LAC sectors and rely on existing border management mechanisms. India prioritizes restoring patrolling rights in buffer zones such as Galwan and Pangong Tso, where a temporary moratorium on patrolling remains unresolved. The trust deficit between the two armies continues despite diplomatic efforts. (Updated 21 Aug 2025, 21:00 IST; source: link)