China's Military Exercises Near Ladakh Raise Tensions

China recently conducted military exercises close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, which brought more attention and alertness to Indian forces. The exercise was conducted by a regiment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) from the Xinjiang Military Command, and it involved all-terrain vehicles, drones, unmanned systems, and exoskeletons, which are meant to enhance soldier mobility and endurance in high-altitude conditions.

The significance of these drills is especially the timing, which happens just before India's Army Day on January 15, 2025, and follows a period of fragile peace between India and China. Fragile peace was achieved after an agreement of disengagement in October 2024, allowing both countries to resume patrols in sensitive areas like Depsang and Demchok—territories that have been points of contention following past military standoffs.

The Indian army's immediate step for Ladakh will be keeping a closer watch while the modernization of military activities with China continues. Winter warfare exercises have been scheduled while building infrastructure and deployment of high-tech surveillance systems to keep track of movements of Chinese forces.
The Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi added, "The scene would be described sensitive but stable," and he emphasized that trust among two armies entails consistent efforts.

Tensions between the two countries have somewhat reduced and agreements are in progress that might ease some loads on both of them. However, both armies remain powerful on the Lac. Reportedly, China has not withdrawn substantially since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and has deployed more than 120,000 soldiers at points forward in various sectors around the contested border.

There lies alongside it a fragile balance of power and the possibility of continued frequent episodes of new stress and even armed current combat between the two countries.