China ups the ante in Arunachal

Recent clashes between Indian and Chinese soldiers on the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh put the spotlight back on India's border defences and China's continuing grey-zone tacticsBATTLE-READY: Indian Army soldiers train near the LAC at Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh. (Photo: Chandradeep Kumar)ISSUE DATE: Nov 9, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 19:52 IST The flashpoints in Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China have been quiet for some time. The disquiet is now coming from Arunachal Pradesh, which has emerged as the focal point of border tensions. On October 22, speaking at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s (ITBP) Central Training College in Alwar, Director General Shatrujeet Kapur revealed face-offs with Chinese troops at multiple locations along the Arunachal border in recent days. Without naming specific areas, he also praised the force’s Shaurya commandos for performing “exceptionally well” during the confrontations. The comments triggered widespread concern. It was the first official acknowledgment of confrontations between border patrols despite the chatter on social media channels since July.