India never accepted China’s illegal occupation of Ladakh: Govt in Parl

India has lodged a “solemn protest” through diplomatic channels following China’s announcement of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture, parts of which fall within Ladakh. The government informed Parliament that New Delhi has never accepted China’s illegal occupation of Indian territory in the region.

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Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a statement tabled in Parliament, said, “The government is aware of the Chinese side’s announcement regarding the establishment of two so-called new counties in Hotan Prefecture. Parts of these so-called counties fall within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.”

Reiterating India’s position, the government stated, “The Government of India has never accepted China’s illegal occupation of Indian territory in this area. The creation of new counties will neither affect India’s long-standing and consistent stance on its sovereignty over the area nor legitimise China’s illegal and forcible occupation.”

India has conveyed its “solemn protest” over these developments through diplomatic channels, the statement added.

The government also acknowledged China’s ongoing infrastructure development in border regions. “The government gives careful and special attention to enhancing infrastructure in border areas, both to support economic development and to meet India’s strategic and security needs,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the budget allocation for border infrastructure has seen a significant rise over the past decade (2014-2024), the government informed Parliament. “The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) alone has incurred three times the expenditure compared to the previous decade. The length of road networks, bridges and the number of tunnels have all increased substantially, improving connectivity for the local population and providing better logistical support for our armed forces,” the government noted.

“The government continues to closely monitor all developments affecting India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added.