A four-member fact-finding team from the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) has alleged fresh Chinese land encroachment in India’s remote Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, including restrictions on Indian Army access to key patrol points. The allegations, reported on August 18, 2026, have triggered political debate in New Delhi and could affect recent efforts to warm India-China relations. The PPA is part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance, while Arunachal Pradesh is governed by the BJP.

PPA vice president Kaling Jerang said the report found that poor weather prevents regular Indian patrols in the Taksing area from April through October, when flooding, heavy rain and landslides occur. It alleged Chinese forces remain active during that period. Local residents told the team that Indian forces left the Shera-5 border patrol point after a 2023 clash with the People’s Liberation Army.

The Indian Army called reports of Chinese land occupation false and baseless, while India’s foreign ministry did not directly reject the claims. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said border issues and peace were important to bilateral ties. China described the situation as broadly stable and said both sides agreed at their 36th border meeting last week to maintain diplomatic and military communication.