'Never Accepted The illegal Chinese Occupation Of Indian Territory': Government On China Creating 'New Counties' In Ladakh

The government on Friday (21 March) said that India is aware of China creating two new counties, parts of which fall in Ladakh, and has registered a "solemn" protest through diplomatic channels.

In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that "India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian Territory in this area".

"Government of India is aware of the announcement by the Chinese side pertaining to the establishment of so-called two new counties in Hotan prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh," the minister said.

"The Government of India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of 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," he added.

The minister further said that India "has registered its solemn protest over these developments through diplomatic channels".

The minister highlighted that the government prioritises infrastructure development in border areas, both to support economic growth and to fulfill the country’s strategic and security needs.

"Government is aware that China is developing infrastructure in the border regions. 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," he added.

Also Read: Telecom PLI Scheme: Rs 4,081 Crore Invested By Beneficiaries, Rs 78,672 Crore In Sales, Rs 14,963 Crore in Exports