ITBP Chief on China’s Military Modernisation and Border Security

ITBP chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapur highlights China’s military modernisation, ongoing Arunachal border face-offs and India’s drone warfare plans.

ITBP Chief Says China’s Military Modernisation Poses Challenge, Calls for Greater Focus on Drones

By News National Editorial Team

NEW DELHI, October 24, 2026: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur has highlighted the challenge posed by China’s military modernisation, saying India must strengthen its capabilities in drone warfare, anti-drone technology and specialised high-altitude combat training.

Speaking to ITBP personnel at a force event in Alwar, Rajasthan, on Thursday, October 22, Kapur said conventional methods alone may not be sufficient to compete with China’s extensively modernised military.

“It may be very difficult to counter China by conventional means because their PLA (People’s Liberation Army) and BDR (Border Defence Regiment) have gone way ahead with investment and modernisation,” Kapur said, according to ThePrint.

His remarks come amid reports of continuing face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple locations along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

ITBP Chief Reports Continuing Border Face-Offs

Kapur said confrontations had occurred at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh in recent days and that the situation remained ongoing. He also praised the newly raised Shaurya Commando teams for their role during the face-offs.

The remarks drew attention because they publicly highlighted continuing friction along the border. However, reports indicated that the comments concerned border deployment and operational preparedness, rather than a single newly identified military incident.

The India-China border, particularly the Line of Actual Control (LAC), remains a sensitive security area. The ITBP is responsible for guarding India’s 3,488-kilometre LAC with China.

Drones Emerging as a Key Part of Border Security

Kapur stressed that drones and anti-drone systems are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare. He pointed to recent conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, as examples of how drone technology can enable a smaller force to challenge a much larger military.

He said the ITBP was expanding drone capabilities, training drone pilots and working on in-house drone manufacturing. Drone platoons have been established in border-guarding battalions, according to reports.

The force is also developing specialised training under a programme called “Strike” to prepare personnel for challenging combat situations, including scenarios resembling the deadly 2020 Galwan clash.

Kapur said the force intended to complete this training across its personnel by the end of 2027.

Underground Infrastructure and Specialised Training

The ITBP is also working to strengthen border infrastructure, including underground facilities at border outposts. Such structures can provide protection and support in difficult high-altitude conditions and during potential security emergencies.

The modernisation effort includes improvements to weapons, vehicles, surveillance capabilities and personnel training. These measures are intended to improve the force’s ability to operate along the mountainous frontier.

Government Says Border Situation Can Be Disturbed by Patrolling Differences

Following Kapur’s remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs said the situation along the India-China border can be disturbed when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both countries continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings or miscalculations along the LAC.

The ministry reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the broader India-China relationship.

What the Remarks Mean

Kapur’s comments underline the importance of military preparedness and technological adaptation along India’s northern and eastern frontiers. They also draw attention to the continuing need for communication between the two countries to prevent localised confrontations from escalating.

The remarks should not be interpreted as an official declaration that India cannot defend its borders. Rather, they highlight the need to modernise capabilities and adapt to changes in military technology.

As India continues to strengthen border security, the ITBP’s focus on drones, specialised commando teams, training and protected infrastructure reflects the changing nature of high-altitude warfare. Developments along the LAC will remain important for both military preparedness and diplomatic engagement between India and China.

Sources

• ThePrint: https://theprint.in/india/face-offs-with-china-persist-in-arunachal-new-training-course-to-avoid-galwan-like-situation-itbp-chief/3079334/

• NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/face-off-with-china-continues-at-multiple-locations-along-arunachal-border-indo-tibetan-border-police-chief-shatrujeet-kapur-12223984

• Business Standard: https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/itbp-has-raised-drone-platoons-building-bunkers-along-lac-says-dg-126102201647_1.html

• Ministry of External Affairs coverage: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/when-chinese-forces-diverge-from-established-patrolling-patterns-foreign-ministry-on-itbp-chiefs-face-off-remark-12227360