Indian Government Reiterates China Has Not Occupied Indian Land Amid Opposition Criticism
New Delhi – April 14, 2024
The Bharatiya Janata Party government of India has reaffirmed its stance that China has not occupied any Indian territory, despite mounting criticism from the opposition Congress party. The assertion came on April 12, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasizing that while tensions have risen due to troop movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in occupied Tibet, there has been no encroachment by China onto Indian soil.
“China has not occupied any of our land. The situation along the Line of Actual Control is competitive, sensitive, and challenging,” stated External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the media in Pune, Maharashtra.
Jaishankar explained that in 2020, China deployed troops forward in certain areas, prompting a standoff with Indian forces. However, he clarified that there has been no encroachment and that both armies remain engaged in a competitive scenario.
The remarks from Jaishankar followed comments by NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, who urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address concerns regarding Chinese encroachment.
However, the Congress party swiftly criticized the government’s stance, accusing it of downplaying China’s actions. Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP government has been granting “clean chits” to China, undermining India’s territorial integrity.
Ramesh asserted that Jaishankar’s statement represents an acceptance of Chinese control over certain strategic areas, including Demchok and the Depsang Plains. He highlighted the ongoing presence of Chinese troops despite multiple rounds of military talks.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Modi government of giving double “clean chits” to expansionist China.
The opposition’s criticism underscores the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and Congress over India’s handling of the border dispute with China. While the government maintains its position of no territorial encroachment by China, opposition parties continue to raise concerns about India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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