1. China Cuts PLA Deployment along LAC amid India-China Thaw

China has reduced the deployment of its People’s Liberation Army along the Line of Actual Control, according to India’s Ministry of Defence’s annual report. The report said the PLA’s presence along the Line of Actual Control declined significantly in 2025. Troop deployment had increased sharply after the 2020 India-China border clashes. The two sides have since taken steps to reduce tensions along the border. India and China also continue holding talks through military and diplomatic channels.

2. India, Philippines Agree to Deepen Defence and Space Ties

On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India and the Philippines have agreed to expand cooperation in defence, space, technology and trade. The two countries have increased their defence engagement in recent years. India signed a deal in 2022 to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. The two countries also hold regular talks between their Army, Navy and Air Force. Their bilateral trade has crossed $3 billion.

3. India, Vietnam Discuss Defence Ties and Maritime Security

India and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence technology and the defence industry. The two sides also discussed maritime security and regional stability. The discussions were held between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang. India and Vietnam have maintained regular defence exchanges. Both countries continue to expand cooperation in the maritime domain.

4. PM Modi Holds 15 Bilateral Meetings During BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 15 formal bilateral meetings with foreign leaders during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meetings were held over three days on the sidelines of the summit. Modi met leaders from countries including China, Russia, Iran, the Philippines, South Africa, Egypt and Kazakhstan. The talks covered bilateral ties and regional and global issues. PM Modi also held several informal meetings during the summit.

5. China Opens Xiangshan Forum Amid Regional Military Tensions

Image Source: Reuters 
Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China - 2025

China is hosting the annual ‘Xiangshan Forum’ in Beijing, starting from Monday. Defence officials, diplomats and security experts from several countries are expected to attend the forum. Discussions are expected to cover regional security and military issues. Taiwan and the South China Sea remain key security concerns in the region. The forum is also being held as questions continue over the future of US security commitments in Asia. 

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.