India Reiterates Claim Over Territories Amid China's Sovereignty Assertions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India firmly stated on Friday that the country does not infringe upon China's sovereignty while simultaneously challenging Beijing's assertions regarding territorial claims. During a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that China has unlawfully occupied portions of Indian territory located in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963. Jaiswal highlighted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has consistently brought up issues pertaining to sovereignty in discussions with China. He reiterated that India is the one raising concerns regarding sovereignty, and it does not violate China's territorial integrity in any way. This stance reflects India's long-standing position on the matter, which has been maintained over the years.

Jaiswal elaborated on the situation, indicating that despite China's acknowledgment of India's rights over these disputed regions, the country continues to maintain its illegal occupation. He pointed out that the MEA has raised objections to various Chinese projects being undertaken in areas of Jammu & Kashmir that are recognized as Indian territory. The spokesperson reiterated, "China has been in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s right is officially acknowledged even by China." This statement underscores the complexity of the territorial dispute, which has been a source of tension between the two nations for decades.