ITBP Chief’s China Border Remarks Reflect Routine Preparedness, No Specific Incident: Sources

The clarification comes amid discussion surrounding Kapur’s comments on Thursday, when he said face-offs had occurred at several locations along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days and that the situation was continuing.

According to sources, the ITBP, which guards India’s border with China, operates in accordance with government policies, instructions issued under different circumstances and established standard operating procedures.

The force may issue an official statement on the matter soon, sources added.

ITBP chief highlights new combat unit

Speaking to ITBP personnel at a force base in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday, Kapur said that face-offs with Chinese troops had taken place at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing.

The ITBP chief also highlighted the formation of a new combat unit, the Shaurya Commandos, saying its personnel had demonstrated their capabilities during the ongoing face-offs with troops of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Kapur said the commandos would be deployed in every border battalion, a move intended to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities and establish a distinct identity for the specialised unit.

Kapur is scheduled to retire at the end of October.

ITBP guards 3,488-km Line of Actual Control

Established in 1962, the ITBP is responsible for guarding the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China.

The force operates along the Himalayan frontier, where difficult terrain, high altitudes and extreme weather conditions present significant operational challenges.

Kapur’s remarks come as India and China continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following years of military tensions along the LAC.

Last month, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said at the NDTV Defence Summit that the border situation was stable and there was no cause for concern.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also stressed last week that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas was essential for normalising relations between the two countries. He cautioned that any disruption along the frontier would affect bilateral ties.

India and China continue efforts to stabilise ties

India and China have been working to rebuild relations following an understanding reached in October 2024 to resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which had continued for more than four years and significantly strained bilateral relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India on September 12–13 to attend the BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. He also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review relations and discuss avenues for greater cooperation.

The latest clarification from sources places the ITBP chief’s comments in the context of the force’s operational preparedness, while broader diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Beijing continue to focus on maintaining stability along the border.