India has strongly objected to China’s establishment of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture, as portions of these territories lie within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.
In a firm response, New Delhi asserted that the move does not alter India’s long-standing position regarding its sovereignty over the region. India described the creation of the counties as illegitimate and labeled China’s occupation of the area as “illegal and forcible.”
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s unwavering stance on the matter.
“We have noted the announcement regarding the establishment of two new counties in China’s Hotan Prefecture. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh,” Jaiswal said.
He reiterated India’s position: “We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this region.”
Jaiswal further clarified that the establishment of the counties would neither impact India’s consistent stance on sovereignty nor validate China’s actions in the region.
“The creation of these new administrative divisions will have no bearing on India’s claims or its position regarding its sovereignty over the area. It also does not lend any legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation,” he added.
India conveyed its objections to the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, registering a formal protest.
This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations over territorial disputes, particularly in the Ladakh region. India has consistently opposed China’s attempts to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and has called for the resolution of disputes through dialogue and adherence to existing agreements.
India’s strong response underscores its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and rejecting unilateral actions that undermine its sovereignty.
