New Delhi | The Northeast recorded a 77 per cent decline in violence-related incidents in 2025, with security forces intensifying counter-insurgency operations, border infrastructure development and logistical preparedness along the China and Myanmar frontiers, according to the Defence Ministry’s annual report.

The report said security forces neutralised 33 terrorists, apprehended 1,066 insurgents and facilitated the surrender of 117 insurgents during the year. A total of 4,336 weapons were also recovered across the region.The security establishment has attributed the decline to sustained intelligence-based operations aimed at disrupting insurgent networks and denying militant groups operational space.

The improved security environment, according to the report, has also created conditions more conducive to development and economic activity in the strategically important region. Security preparedness in the Northeast has assumed added significance amid India’s wider national security concerns along the Arunachal Pradesh-China border and the India-Myanmar frontier. The region is also central to India’s Act East policy and its efforts to strengthen connectivity with Southeast Asia.

Focus on Arunachal border infrastructure

Along the Arunachal Pradesh frontier, the emphasis has been on improving mobility and logistics and enabling the rapid movement of troops and equipment to forward areas. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed 123 bridges during 2025, marking a significant expansion of connectivity in strategically important border sectors.

Among the key projects was the 135-metre multi-span Balanced Cantilever Pinjoli Bridge on the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road. The bridge has improved connectivity in the Tenga Valley and strengthened the Tenga-Bomdila-Tawang axis, facilitating movement towards Tawang and other forward areas along the Line of Actual Control.

The BRO has also upgraded aviation infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. A 75-metre by 50-metre PQC helipad was completed at Anini, replacing the earlier 25-metre by 25-metre landing ground. The upgraded facility can accommodate heavier helicopters and is expected to improve the movement of personnel, supplies and equipment, besides strengthening emergency response capabilities during natural disasters.

The government has also stepped up financial support for the BRO. After recording expenditure of Rs 16,690 crore in 2024-25, the organisation has been given an enhanced expenditure target of Rs 18,700 crore for 2025-26.

India-Myanmar border remains sensitive

The India-Myanmar border, meanwhile, continues to remain a security concern amid the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and resistance forces. India has sought to tighten regulation of cross-border movement while maintaining engagement with Myanmar.

According to the report, 20 border crossing points have been established under the Free Movement Regime to regulate local movement. A total of 12,590 metres of fencing was constructed along the India-Myanmar border during 2025.

The measures form part of a broader effort to strengthen border management while addressing security challenges arising from instability in Myanmar and the movement of people and armed groups across the frontier.’