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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 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.
(With inputs from agencies)