India has issued a stern protest to China following the latter’s announcement of creating two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, which includes areas claimed by India as part of its Union Territory of Ladakh. This diplomatic development underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding territorial sovereignty and water-sharing disputes.
Key Highlights
Illegal Occupation of Indian Territory
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in the area.” The government emphasised that parts of the newly established counties overlap with Ladakh, reinforcing India’s strong objection to China’s unilateral actions.
Demchok and Depsang Disengagement
This announcement comes months after India and China completed military disengagement at critical points like Demchok and Depsang in Eastern Ladakh, a region that has been a flashpoint for bilateral tensions since 2020.
China’s Brahmaputra Mega Dam Plans
India is also closely monitoring China’s plans to construct a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, an issue that raises significant environmental and geopolitical concerns. India, as a lower riparian state with established user rights, has repeatedly expressed its concerns over the lack of transparency and potential downstream impacts of such projects.
“We have consistently reiterated the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries,” Jaiswal stated, urging China to ensure the interests of Brahmaputra’s downstream states are not compromised.
China’s Encroachment Beyond Ladakh
In addition to issues in Ladakh, China has reportedly constructed at least 22 villages within territory traditionally considered part of Bhutan. Of these, eight villages are strategically located near the Doklam plateau, an area of heightened strategic importance to India. Satellite imagery since 2020 has revealed these developments, raising alarm over China’s incremental encroachment tactics.
India’s Strategic Response
India has pledged to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and water rights. New Delhi’s diplomatic channels remain active, ensuring that Beijing is regularly reminded of India’s concerns.
“The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas,” added the MEA spokesperson.
This latest protest underscores the fragile relationship between India and China, with disputes spanning territorial claims, water rights, and regional security concerns. While diplomatic avenues remain open, India has made it clear that it will not compromise on matters of sovereignty and national interest.
The world watches as two of Asia’s largest nations navigate these complex and deeply entrenched issues.
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