(a) whether there is a line mutually agreed upon by China and India, on map, as a line of actual control;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there has been any efforts on the part of China to slowly inch into our area and lay claim to more Indian areas;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI U.V. KRISHNAM RAJU)
(a)-(e): India and China are seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question through peaceful consultations. The Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas (1993) and the Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field, along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas (1996), provide the institutional framework for the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.
The India-China border has been largely peaceful, but from time to time, on account of differences in the perception of the Line of Actual Control, situations have arisen on the ground that could have been avoided had the agreement on LAC clarification been completed. In accordance with the provisions of the 1993 and 1996 Agreements, the process of LAC clarification has begun.
Government regularly takes up perceived violations of the Line of Actual Control with the Chinese side and underscores the need for both sides to respect the LAC. Such matters are raised through the established mechanisms - the Joint Working Group and the Expert Group, through Border Personnel Meetings and Flag Meetings between the armed forces of the two sides, as well as through diplomatic channels from time to time.
Government remain vigilant and take all necessary and appropriate measures to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India.