A reduction in the deployment of Chinese troops on the northern border.

China has reduced the number of troops in the areas adjacent to India's northern border in the past year, while the Indian Army still has a strong presence in all sectors of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), while Pakistan continues to pose a major security challenge in Jammu and Kashmir through terrorism, insurgency and ceasefire violations. According to the report, there has been a significant reduction in the deployment of the Chinese Army (PLA) in the areas bordering the northern border. About 10 combined arms brigades of Chinese troops are deployed in the LAC and conventional training areas. Despite the small number of Chinese troops, the Indian Army is fully prepared to face any challenge.
The report said that the continuous political, diplomatic and military talks with China over the past year have brought about positive changes and stability on the northern border. The 33rd and 34th meetings of the 'Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination' were held in March and July last year. Discussions between the Special Envoys on the border dispute also resumed and these meetings were held in December 2024 and August 2025.
The de-escalation effect was also seen in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Tianjin in August last year and the 23rd Corps Commander-level meeting in eastern Ladakh on October 25-26. According to the report, the meetings of military officials with the PLA are also taking place in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020, the northern border has been among the most sensitive security areas in the country. During this time there was continuous deployment of troops on both sides and major expansion of military infrastructure. According to the latest assessment, immediate military tensions have eased, but the preparedness of the Indian Army to deal with any new challenge on the LAC remains strong.
In the report, in a clear estimation on the western front, Pakistan has been mentioned as the main cause of the security challenge in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the report, 19 terrorists were killed in anti-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir last year. Among them were eight Pakistani terrorists, who are about 40 percent of the total number. The report said that these figures clearly show Pakistan's role in waging a covert war in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan's role has also come to the fore on the Line of Control. Last year, the army killed 12 Pakistani terrorists trying to enter Jammu and Kashmir. Infiltration attempts are down compared to previous years, but the nature of the threat is changing. Terrorist activities are now moving across the international border and include smuggling of drugs as well as arms and other munitions.
In the year 2025, there has been a significant increase in the incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the Line of Control. The Indian Army recorded 163 violations, compared to only two such cases in 2024. 124 of these violations occurred during Operation Sindoor. The campaign was launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which Pakistan-based terrorists killed tourists.
After the DGMO-level talks between India and Pakistan on May 10 and 12 last year, the situation on the Line of Control has stabilized significantly, but the annual report said that this peace should not be considered as the end of the threat and the situation remains uncertain.
According to the military's assessment, Pakistan's ability to garner local support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has declined significantly. Last year only one local youth joined terrorist organizations. The report said that youth have abandoned the path of violence and are increasingly taking advantage of government schemes and policies. This has also weakened Pakistan's claim of domestic terrorism.
The report states that the common people have chosen the path of development and are actively participating in government as well as army initiatives in large numbers. According to the army, the impact has come in the form of reduced violence, reduced protests and zero incidents of stone pelting.
It has also been said that the threat is no longer limited to infiltration and small arms. Last year, the army recorded 863 drone incursions along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. Through them, new forms of smuggling of drugs, arms and other war materials emerged. Security forces shot down 237 drones during this time.
Despite the tension during the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the army has said that the improvement in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was also seen in the activities of the common people. In the year 2025, 2.3 crore tourists arrived in the Centrally Administered Area, while 4.13 lakh devotees joined the Shri Amarnath Yatra. According to the army, this is a sign of the growing confidence of the people regarding the security situation.