ITBP Enhances Readiness Against Chinese Threats with New Strategies

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is enhancing its operational readiness against Chinese threats by establishing drone units, introducing a new 'Strike' training course, and developing underground infrastructure. Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur highlighted the need for modernization in response to evolving security challenges, particularly along the Arunachal Pradesh border where recent confrontations with Chinese troops have occurred. The formation of the Shaurya Commandos aims to bolster the ITBP's capabilities. These developments come amid ongoing efforts to stabilize India-China relations following years of military tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 17:29 IST

ITBP's Strategic Modernization Efforts

ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur addressing security officials on Thursday in Alwar (Photo: ITBP/X)

New Delhi, Oct 23: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has established drone units across all its border divisions, initiated a new 'Strike' training program aimed at preparing troops for intense confrontations akin to the Galwan clash, and is constructing underground facilities along the border to address threats from China, which the agency's leader identified as India's primary adversary.

During a briefing to ITBP personnel at a base in Alwar, Rajasthan, Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur emphasized the importance of modernizing the force's personnel, weaponry, vehicles, and border installations, noting that conventional warfare tactics are inadequate for current security challenges.

Kapur reported that recent face-offs with Chinese forces have occurred at multiple sites along the Arunachal Pradesh border, indicating ongoing tensions.

“In recent days, confrontations have taken place at various locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and this situation persists,” he stated.

The modernization initiatives encompass the establishment of drone units in all border sectors, the introduction of the 'Strike' training course to enhance readiness for high-stakes combat similar to the 2020 Galwan incident, and significant development of underground infrastructure along the border.

Kapur remarked that traditional methods of countering China are outdated, highlighting the necessity to adapt to evolving combat dynamics along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

He also mentioned the creation of the Shaurya Commandos, a new combat unit whose members have showcased their skills during ongoing confrontations with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at various locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

This new unit will be integrated into every border battalion, enhancing the operational capabilities of the ITBP and establishing a unique identity for the force, according to Kapur.

Founded in 1962, the ITBP is responsible for securing the 3,488-km-long LAC between India and China, operating in the challenging Himalayan terrain where extreme weather and difficult landscapes present significant operational hurdles.

Kapur's comments come as New Delhi and Beijing strive to stabilize their bilateral relations after years of military tensions along the LAC. The ITBP chief is set to retire at the end of October.

In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement to resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which had persisted for over four years and severely impacted their relationship.

Last week, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in border regions as crucial for normalizing relations, warning that any disturbances could affect bilateral ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India on September 12-13 for the BRICS Summit marked his first trip to the country in seven years, during which he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review and enhance cooperation between the two nations.