7 November 2024

India to deploy Integrated Battle Groups to counter China days after border truce

Shivani Sharma

The Indian Army is stepping up its efforts to counter China's increasing military presence along the border with a new tactical response, the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). According to sources, the draft proposal for IBG formation has already been sent to the government and the implementation could begin as early as 2025.

This comes after India, on October 21, announced that it reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), marking a breakthrough in ending the over four-year-long military standoff, which began following the deadly clashes between the troops of both countries in June 2020 in Galwan Valley.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has confirmed the IBG initiative, saying that these units will bolster India's strategic readiness in response to China's restructured forces.

RESPONSE TO CHINA'S WESTERN THEATRE COMMAND

China has reorganised its military zones into five theatre commands, with the Western Theatre Command specifically overseeing operations near the Indian border. This command structure includes both ground and air forces stationed along the border, providing a rapid response capability.

Additionally, China has transformed several of its divisions into Combined Armed Brigades (CABs) to enhance operational cohesion and combat effectiveness. According to defence experts, India's IBGs are intended to match and counterbalance this growing Chinese presence.

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