Amid the ongoing border tensions between the two countries, India today said that China had recently undertaken activity hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns and that all Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate. Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.
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“All Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. In fact, it is Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns. Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management. At the same time, we are deeply committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and security,” the MEA Spokesperson added.
The MEA further said that Indian troops strictly follow the procedures laid down in various bilateral agreements and protocols to resolve any situations which may arise due to difference in perception of LAC.
“The two sides have established mechanisms to resolve such situations peacefully through dialogue. Both sides remain engaged with each other to address any immediate issues,” the MEA said.
The MEA further stated that in accordance with the consensus reached in Chennai, Indian side remains firmly committed to work for the common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas and that this is an essential prerequisite to the further development of Indian-China bilateral relations.
Following the recent border skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops in Sikkim’s Naku La, China now appears to be flexing its muscle in Ladakh’s Galwan area by building up a sizeable troop presence.