Question : New Bridge on Pangong Lake

(a) whether the Government has taken cognisance of the construction of a new bridge by Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Pangong Lake in Ladakh and if so, the details thereof indicating its distance from the LAC;

(b) the impact this will have on India-China relations and Rounds of Talks between the two countries;

(c) whether the Government has raised/intends to raise this issue with China and if so, the details thereof along with the assessment made of the potential security risks due to construction of the said bridge;

(d) whether the Government plans to initiate disengagement of Indian troops from Hot Springs areas as was the key agenda of discussion in the 14th Round of Talks with China, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) whether the Government intends to deploy more troops and develop border infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, in light of recent reports of China renaming some parts of Arunachal Pradesh on its geographical maps, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (e) The Government has taken note of a bridge being constructed by China on Pangong lake. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have continued to be under the illegal occupation of China since 1962. Government of India has never accepted this illegal occupation. Government has made it clear on several occassions that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and we expect other countries to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As regards disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, India and China have maintained dialogue through both diplomatic and military channels. Our approach in these talks has been and will continue to be guided by three key principles, that, (i) both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC; (ii) neither side should attempt to alter the status quo unilaterally; and (iii) all agreements between the two sides must be fully abided by in their entirety.The last round of talks between the Senior Commanders of India and China was held on 12th January 2022. They agreed that both sides should follow the guidance provided by their Leaders and work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest as this would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and enable progress in bilateral relations.

Government has noted reports of renaming of some places by China in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This is a futile exercise that will not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has always been, is and will always be an integral part of India.

Government gives careful and specific attention to the improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas as also to meet India’s strategic and security requirements. Government also keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary steps to ensure that our security interests are fully protected.

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