Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has opened up on the Indo-China conflict in Rajya Sabha today. The Defence Minister said that China continues to be in illegal occupation of approx 38,000 square kilometres in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Also 90,000 kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh. He further added that the neighbouring country also disregards various border agreements.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Rajnath Singh said: “China continues to be in illegal occupation of approx 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 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in PoK to China. It also claims approximately 90,000 sq. km. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh.”
Singh blaming China for the border conflict in eastern Ladakh stressed that observing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is needed for peace in the border areas. He also praised the Indian Armed forces for observing restraint in face of provocative actions by the Chinese army.
Recalling the horrific faceoff at Galwan Valley he said, “On 15 June, Col Santosh Babu, along with his 19 brave soldiers, made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan Valley towards the cause of defending the territorial integrity of India. Our Prime Minister himself went to Ladakh to boost the morale of forces.”
The minister further added that the issue is still unresolved as China is not accepting the peripheral alignment of the Sino-India border. Singh said India wants a peaceful solution to the boundary issue, but will not shy away from any action required to defend the sovereignty of the country.
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