Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: Sharpening the new narrative on Sino-Indian relations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday sought to prepare the country for a possible hot winter stating that the Dragon does not recognize the traditional Line of Actual Control (LAC) and continues to illegally occupy nearly 38,000 square kilometers of Indian territory.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he said recent conduct of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reflected a disregard of bilateral agreements between the two countries. India’s timely and strong actions had foiled China’s attempts to change the status quo in the Ladakh region.
“I would like to assure Parliament that India will not step back from taking any harsh decision and that our forces are in a better position to retaliate,” the minister announced.
In a measured attack, Rajnath Singh said Beijing continues to illegally occupy a large area of Ladakh. “China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. km. in the Union Territory of Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan ‘Boundary Agreement’ of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded to China 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
China also claims approximately 90,000 sq. km. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh. These Chinese actions reflect a disregard of our various bilateral agreements,” Singh added.
Emphasizing that India believes in “peaceful coexistence”, the minister said the Indian armed forces have shown both patience and valor.
“The amassing of the troops by China goes against the 1993 and 1996 Agreements. Respecting and strictly observing the LAC is the basis for peace and tranquillity in the border areas. While our armed forces abide scrupulously by it, this has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side.”
The minister assured the Upper House that the armed forces would face the current challenge successfully. “As we all know, earlier too, there have been standoffs which were resolved peacefully. Although this year it is different, we are still committed to a peaceful resolution. But I want to tell the House we are ready to face all situations,” Singh said.
On Tuesday, Singh had told the Lok Sabha that through its provocative, violent, and aggressive actions since April-May 2020, China had violated all bilateral agreements to maintain peace and tranquillity on the borders. He also briefed the House on how the crisis precipitated and all the diplomatic and military steps taken by India.
However, he refused to divulge operational details due to the sensitivities involved. “In the current situation,
