India rejects China's 'new counties' claim over Ladakh territory

The government on Friday informed that India is cognizant of China declaring two new counties, some areas of which lie in Ladakh, and has lodged a "solemn" protest through diplomatic means. Replying to a written question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India never accepted the "illegal Chinese occupation of the Indian Territory in this region".

Chinese occupation of the Indian territory

"The Government of India has never conceded the illegal Chinese occupation of the Indian Territory in this region. Establishment of new counties will have no implications on India's consistent and long-held position about India's sovereignty over the region, nor give legitimacy to China's illegal and coercive occupation of the same," the minister stated. The government had conveyed its "solemn protest over these developments through diplomatic channels", he added.

Government of India is cognizant of the Chinese side's announcement

The ministry was questioned whether the government knows anything about "China's two new counties established in the Hotan prefecture that include Indian territory in Ladakh", if known, what the strategic and diplomatic steps have been taken by the government regarding it. Responding to this question, the minister stated, "Government of India is cognizant of the Chinese side's announcement regarding the creation of so-called two new counties in China's Hotan prefecture.

Government remains vigilant in monitoring all developments

Some parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties lie in India's Union Territory of Ladakh". The question also asked for information regarding protests raised by India against the "formation of these counties" and the feedback received from the Chinese government, if any. "Government pays special and serious attention to infrastructure development for the growth of border areas, so that the economic growth of the areas is facilitated, as also so that India's strategic and security needs are met," the MoS stated.

The government remains vigilant in monitoring all developments with an impact on India's security and takes all measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the minister emphasized.