SOURCE: AFI
defense journalist Shiv Aroor showcased a significant find: a piece of captured Chinese anti-riot armor, reportedly used during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The gear, displayed in a glass case with the inscription “Bajrang Bali Ki Jai” and credited to Aroor (@ShivAroor), was seized by the Indian Army from a Chinese soldier, offering a rare glimpse into the equipment employed during the standoff.
The discovery lends credence to earlier reports suggesting that several People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers were captured by Indian forces during the deadly confrontation on June 15-16, 2020, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The armored suit, designed for riot control, indicates the PLA’s preparedness for close-quarters combat, contrasting with the traditional narrative of the clash.
One of the most striking implications of this reveal is that it lends credence to reports that several PLA soldiers were captured by Indian forces during the Galwan Valley clash, even if temporarily. Until now, India has never officially acknowledged detaining Chinese troops during the incident, maintaining a diplomatic silence likely intended to avoid escalation.
However, the presence of intact, personalized Chinese riot gear in Indian custody strongly suggests physical capture and disarmament of PLA personnel, at least during the heat of the engagement. This aligns with multiple unconfirmed reports from 2020 that stated Indian troops had taken several Chinese soldiers prisoner before releasing them through backchannel agreements in the days that followed.
The use of anti-riot armor by the PLA highlights the non-conventional, low-intensity tactics China employed during the standoff. Riot shields and clubs — as opposed to firearms — were deliberately used to avoid crossing the threshold into armed conflict, while still attempting to assert dominance through sheer force.
Ironically, this decision backfired. Indian troops, including soldiers from the 16 Bihar Regiment, fought back fiercely with improvised weapons, and both sides suffered casualties. India officially lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China belatedly admitted to four deaths, though independent analysts suggest the Chinese toll may have been significantly higher.
The Indian Army’s ability to not only withstand the surprise PLA assault but also disarm and capture enemy personnel, even momentarily, speaks volumes about the professionalism and bravery of the soldiers involved. The recovered equipment now serves as a silent but powerful testament to the fierce resistance offered by Indian troops under extreme conditions and at high altitudes.
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