Hyderabad: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has raised a new combat unit called Shaurya commandos amid continuing face-offs with Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh.
ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor confirmed that confrontations were continuing at multiple locations along the India-China border. He said the newly raised commandos had demonstrated their capabilities during these encounters.
The commandos will be deployed in every border battalion as the force strengthens its operational readiness along the 3,488-kilometre Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Kapoor made the remarks while addressing personnel in Alwar, Rajasthan, ahead of the ITBP’s 65th Raising Day on October 24. He stressed that conventional warfare methods alone were insufficient to address evolving challenges along the Chinese border.
The force is also expanding its use of drones, specialised combat training and underground shelters. These measures form part of a broader modernisation programme focused on high-altitude operations.
ITBP Expands Drone Warfare and Combat Training
Kapoor said the ITBP had established drone platoons in all its border battalions. The force is also training personnel to operate drones and develop related technologies.
The government has provided ₹400 crore for modernisation, with 70% earmarked for strengthening drone warfare capabilities. The Union Home Ministry has also given in-principle approval to a modernisation plan worth approximately ₹4,000 crore. This includes ₹1,000 crore for drone and anti-drone systems.
The ITBP has introduced a new training programme called the ‘Strike’ course. It aims to prepare personnel for combat situations similar to the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Kapoor said the entire force would complete the training by the end of 2027.
During the Galwan clash, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent confrontation with Chinese troops. China subsequently acknowledged the deaths of four of its soldiers.
The force is also constructing underground shelters at forward locations. These facilities are intended to reduce vulnerabilities during potential conflict.
Additional measures include insulated barracks, solar water heaters, generator sets and cold-start kits for vehicles operating in freezing conditions.
Congress Questions Centre Over China Border Situation
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Centre following Kapoor’s remarks. He questioned the government’s response to the reported confrontations and alleged that India had lost access to certain patrolling points in Arunachal Pradesh.
In a post on X, Ramesh also raised concerns over China renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh and constructing a reported 60,000-megawatt dam. He described the project as a potential threat to India’s ecological and water security.
Ramesh further criticised India’s trade deficit with China and accused the government of making concessions to Beijing.
The allegations concerning lost patrolling access and the broader criticism of the government’s China policy remain claims made by the Congress leader. The ITBP’s confirmation establishes that face-offs continue, but does not independently verify every allegation raised by the Opposition.
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