New Delhi: The Centre on Friday said the situation along the India China border gets disturbed when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns, following remarks by Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur about continuing face offs at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that both countries were continuing to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to address unresolved border issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The clarification came a day after Kapur told ITBP personnel that face offs with Chinese troops had occurred at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing. His remarks attracted attention as the government has repeatedly described the overall border situation as stable in recent years.
The MEA maintained that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remain essential for the broader development of bilateral relations. Both sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve their understanding of the LAC in relevant areas to strengthen border management.
Kapur, who is scheduled to retire at the end of October, made the remarks while addressing personnel at an ITBP base in Rajasthan. He highlighted the force’s operational preparedness and the creation of a specialised combat team known as the Shaurya commandos, which had demonstrated its capabilities during the ongoing face offs.
Describing the China border as the force’s most challenging frontier, Kapur stressed the need to modernise India’s security capabilities. He pointed to China’s military modernisation and said drones and anti drone systems would play an increasingly important role in future conflicts.
The ITBP, established in 1962, is responsible for guarding the 3,488 kilometre India China border along the LAC.
Kapur’s comments came amid efforts to improve bilateral relations following years of tensions after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has repeatedly emphasised that maintaining peace along the border is necessary for normalising ties with China. Diplomatic engagement between the two countries has continued, alongside growing trade relations and high level political interactions.
India continues to maintain that lasting peace along the border is essential for stable and constructive relations with Beijing.
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