• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India respects China's sovereignty, but raises concerns on occupation.
  2. China illegally occupies J&K, Ladakh since 1963, India objects.
  3. Border peace prerequisite for normal India-China diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said India has always respected China's sovereignty and does not violate it in any way. At the same time, New Delhi accused Beijing of illegally occupying parts of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while also objecting to Chinese projects in these regions.

India Rejects China's Sovereignty Claims

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that when it comes to sovereignty, it is India that has genuine concerns to raise. He said India has maintained a consistent position of respecting China's sovereignty, but Beijing continues to occupy Indian territory.

“The External Affairs Minister said that, when it comes to sovereignty issues, it is actually India that should be, and is, raising them. India does not violate China's sovereignty in any manner and has been consistent,” Jaiswal said.

MEA Objects To Chinese Presence In Indian Territory

Jaiswal further said China has been in illegal occupation of parts of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963. He added that India's rights over these areas have been officially acknowledged, even by China. The MEA reiterated that India has consistently raised concerns over Chinese activities in territories that it considers an integral part of the country.

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“But China is in illegal occupation of Indian territories in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India's rights have been officially acknowledged even by China. Also, there are Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India, and we object to that,” Jaiswal added.

Earlier on July 22, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that ensuring stability along frontier regions remains a "pre-requisite" for restoring standard diplomatic engagements. He emphasised that bilateral relations ought to be anchored in mutual respect, interest and sensitivity during ministerial discussions hosted under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) umbrella in Manila.

"We believe that a stable and cooperative relationship can best be developed on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity…Peace and tranquility in the border areas is obviously the pre-requisite for normal ties. Since October 2024, both sides have engaged to ensure that important objective." Jaishankar said.

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