Chinese Deviations from Established Patrol Patterns Disturb LAC Situation: MEA

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a file photograph accompanying India’s statement in New Delhi on Friday, October 23, 2026, on patrolling-related friction along the Line of Actual Control.
Photo: ANI

India stresses diplomatic and military dialogue to prevent misunderstandings, linking peace along the border with the overall development of bilateral relations

Key Highlights

• MEA says departures from established Chinese patrolling patterns periodically disturb the border situation.
• The response follows the ITBP Director-General’s remarks on confrontations in Arunachal Pradesh.
• India and China continue using diplomatic and military mechanisms to address outstanding issues.
• New Delhi emphasises peace and tranquillity along the border as essential to bilateral ties.

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs says the situation along the India–China border is disturbed periodically when Chinese forces depart from established patrolling patterns. Responding on Friday, October 23, 2026, to questions about confrontations in Arunachal Pradesh, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterates that both countries continue to use diplomatic and military channels to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

MEA Responds to ITBP Chief’s Remarks

The ministry’s response followed remarks by the Director-General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police concerning confrontations with Chinese troops at multiple locations along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Jaiswal said the border situation “gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns”.

His response identified deviations from established patrol practices as a source of friction while emphasising the continued use of bilateral mechanisms to manage differences.

Diplomatic and Military Channels Remain in Use

The MEA said both sides remain engaged through existing channels to resolve outstanding matters and reduce the possibility of escalation arising from misunderstandings.

India and China continue to use “existing diplomatic and military mechanisms” to address issues and “avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the Line of Actual Control”, the ministry stated.

Border Peace Important for Bilateral Relations

The ministry also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas for the overall development of India–China relations.

The response placed the management of border differences within the wider bilateral relationship, with dialogue and established mechanisms remaining central to addressing friction.