India has never accepted China's illegal control over Indian territory : Government of India

New Delhi – The Government of India is aware of China’s announcement to create 2 new talukas in China’s ‘Hotan Prefecture’. Part of these talukas falls in India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. The Government is aware that China is developing infrastructure in the border area. The Government of India never accepted China’s illegal control over Indian Territory in this area. The creation of new talukas will not affect India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding India’s sovereignty over this territory. It will not give legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible control. This means that India does not accept this move by China, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The minister also clarified that India had lodged a strong protest over the matter through diplomatic channels.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh further said that the Government was constantly monitoring all developments affecting India’s security and was taking all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government was committed to ensuring that India’s borders remain secure. India’s position would not change due to any claim or action by China. The Indian Government was also in talks with China to resolve the border dispute. It was fully prepared to defend its borders.