Current Affairs · · GS3 · Internal Security

MEA says PLA patrol deviations disturb LAC amid Arunachal concerns

The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged that the Chinese army's departures from agreed patrolling patterns periodically disturb the Line of Actual Control. It said India and China are in touch to improve border management. The remarks follow months of reports and denials about Chinese activity in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.

Event date:

REq1
  1. Note1 / 5

    WHY IN NEWS?

    • On 23 October 2026, the MEA said deviations by the People's Liberation Army from established patrolling patterns periodically disturb the LAC.
    • It said India and China are in touch to improve border management.
    • The statement followed reported remarks by the ITBP chief on the situation in Arunachal Pradesh.
    • Since July, there have been reports of PLA activity around Taksing in Upper Subansiri district.
    • The Opposition has criticised the government's handling of the issue.
  2. Note2 / 5

    THE ARUNACHAL REPORTS

    This card sets out documented positions. It does not adjudicate between them.

    • July 2026: A fact-finding team of a regional party alleged that PLA troops were denying Indian forces access to some patrol areas near Taksing.
    • Army: Earlier reports of PLA camps inside Arunachal Pradesh were called "incorrect and without any basis".
    • State government: In August, the Chief Minister said there were no signs of encroachment.
    • Opposition: Congress leaders asked the government to clarify the situation.
    • MEA: Its latest remark acknowledges disturbances, without confirming specific incidents.
  3. Note3 / 5

    KEY CONCEPTS

    1. What is the Line of Actual Control?

    It is the de facto line separating Indian- and Chinese-held areas. It has never been jointly marked on the ground, so both sides perceive it differently in places.

    1. What are the LAC's sectors?

    Western (Ladakh), Middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) and Eastern (Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh). China claims Arunachal Pradesh, which India firmly rejects.

    1. Who guards the LAC?

    The Indo-Tibetan Border Police guards the India–China border, working alongside the Army.

    1. Why do patrols clash?

    Where perceptions overlap, both sides patrol the same area and meet face to face.

  4. Note4 / 5

    MECHANISMS TO KEEP THE PEACE

    The table lists key agreements.

    • Year: 1993; Agreement: Agreement on peace and tranquillity along the LAC; Purpose: Commit to respect the LAC
    • Year: 1996; Agreement: Agreement on military confidence-building measures; Purpose: Limit forces and weapons near the LAC
    • Year: 2005; Agreement: Protocol on modalities; Purpose: Rules for patrols that meet
    • Year: 2013; Agreement: Border Defence Cooperation Agreement; Purpose: Communication to manage differing perceptions
    • Year: 2024; Agreement: Patrolling arrangements in Depsang and Demchok; Purpose: End the 2020 standoff at those points

    Talks through the WMCC and military commanders handle incidents but have not settled the boundary.

  5. Note5 / 5

    WAY FORWARD

    These are suggested measures, not approved policy.

    • Clarify the LAC in disputed stretches through mutual talks.
    • Strengthen protocols for patrols and hotline communication between commanders.
    • Build infrastructure such as all-weather roads and surveillance in remote sectors.
    • Coordinate agencies so the Army, ITBP and intelligence share information smoothly.
    • Keep Parliament informed with factual briefings, without exposing operational details.

Sources

Syllabus

PaperSubjectSub-topic
GS3Internal SecuritySecurity challenges in border areas, role of security forces
GS2International RelationsIndia–China relations, bilateral agreements
PrelimsGeographyLAC sectors, border agreements, ITBP

Topics

World Map-Based GeographyInternational Relations and Current AffairsDefence Technology

Practice questions

  1. Which force primarily guards India's border with China?

    1. Border Security Force
    2. Sashastra Seema Bal
    3. Indo-Tibetan Border Police
    4. Assam Rifles
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The SSB guards the Nepal and Bhutan borders; Assam Rifles the Myanmar border.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  2. The Border Defence Cooperation Agreement between India and China was signed in:

    1. 1993
    2. 1996
    3. 2005
    4. 2013
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It provides for communication to manage differing LAC perceptions.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  3. Upper Subansiri district, recently in news, is located in:

    1. Sikkim
    2. Arunachal Pradesh
    3. Ladakh
    4. Uttarakhand
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It lies in the Eastern Sector of the LAC.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

Mains practice

Answer-writing practice on this article. Attempt it first, then open the hints.

  1. GS3 · 250 words

    Despite several agreements, the India–China LAC remains prone to face-offs. Examine the reasons and suggest measures for stable border management.

    Show hints
    1. Undemarcated LAC
    2. differing perceptions
    3. 1993–2013 agreements
    4. infrastructure race
    5. coordination, diplomacy.