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New Delhi stressed that the creation of these new counties will not alter India’s consistent and long-standing stance on its sovereignty over the area
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has never accepted China’s illegal occupation of Indian territory in the area. (AP file photo)
India on Friday lodged a “solemn protest” with China following the establishment of two new counties in Hotan prefecture, as parts of these regions fall within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.
In a strong response, New Delhi stressed that the creation of these new counties will not alter India’s consistent and long-standing stance on its sovereignty over the area, nor will it legitimise China’s “illegal and forcible” occupation of the region.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press conference stated that India has never accepted China’s “illegal” occupation of Indian territory in the area.
“We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India’s Union Territory of Ladakh,” Jaiswal asserted.
He reiterated India’s position, asserting, “We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area.”
Jaiswal further clarified, “Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same.”
“We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels,” he added.
Response On China’s Plan To Build Dam On Brahmaputra
In addition to the protest over the new counties, India has also raised concerns about China’s plans to build a hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which flows into India. This development comes following China’s recent announcement of plans to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet, which has raised alarm in India.
In its first reaction to the proposed dam, New Delhi urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states, particularly those in India, are not harmed by activities in the upstream areas.
“We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests,” Jaiswal stated.
There are growing concerns in India, especially in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, about the potential adverse impacts the dam may have on the environment and water supply.
Chinese officials have claimed that the hydropower projects in Tibet will not significantly affect the environment or downstream water supplies. However, both India and neighbouring Bangladesh have raised their concerns about the dam.
The Yarlung Zangbo river becomes the Brahmaputra as it exits Tibet, flowing south through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, before continuing into Bangladesh.
(With inputs from agencies)
