Never accepted illegal occupation of Indian Territory, says MoS
Leh: India has strongly objected to China’s recent move to establish two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, parts of which fall within the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.
The government, in a statement on Friday, asserted that it has never accepted China’s “illegal occupation” and has registered a “solemn” protest through diplomatic channels.
In a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India has never accepted the “illegal Chinese occupation” of Indian Territory.
He emphasized that the creation of new administrative divisions by China would not alter India’s stance on sovereignty nor legitimize China’s occupation of the region.
“The Government of India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of the Indian Territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding India’s sovereignty over the area, nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same,” Singh asserted.
The Lok Sabha query specifically sought information regarding China’s establishment of two counties in the Hotan prefecture, which reportedly include Indian territory. Singh confirmed that the Indian government is aware of this development and has taken diplomatic measures in response.
Singh further elaborated on India’s broader strategic and security responses. He stated that India remains vigilant regarding all developments affecting national security and takes necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity.
This includes significant investment in border infrastructure to support economic growth in frontier areas while also enhancing security preparedness.
“Government gives careful and special attention to improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas, in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas, as also to meet India’s strategic and security requirements,” Singh noted.
India’s diplomatic engagement with China continues to address this issue, though official responses from the Chinese government to India’s protest remain unclear. The protest underscores the ongoing border tensions between the two nations, which have witnessed periodic confrontations and diplomatic standoffs in recent years.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and assured that all necessary actions will be taken to address any challenges posed by China’s moves in the region.
China’s assertion over parts of Ladakh has been a long-standing issue, contributing to strained relations between the two countries.
The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which led to casualties on both sides, marked a significant escalation in border tensions. Since then, both nations have engaged in multiple rounds of diplomatic and military talks to de-escalate tensions, though territorial disputes persist.
