'Chinese Projects On Indian Territory': India Slams Beijing Over 'Illegal Occupation' In J&K, Ladakh

Ministry of External Affairs condemned China’s ongoing activities in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that these areas are under illegal Chinese occupation since 1963.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday strongly objected to China’s continued presence in parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, saying Beijing is carrying out projects on Indian territory under its illegal occupation.

Responding to questions on the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India has consistently respected China’s sovereignty, but the same cannot be said of Beijing’s actions. The remarks came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that when it comes to questions of sovereignty, it is India and not China, that has legitimate concerns to raise.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China has been in “illegal occupation” of Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963. He added that India has consistently conveyed its objections to Chinese activities in these areas.

“There are Chinese projects on territories in Jammu & Kashmir that belong to India, and we object to that,” Jaiswal said.

The MEA also stressed that India does not violate China’s sovereignty “in any manner” and has maintained a consistent position on respecting territorial integrity. India has repeatedly opposed infrastructure and development projects undertaken by China in areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, maintaining that the region is an integral part of India and that any third-country activity there violates India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The latest remarks underscore New Delhi’s long-standing position that while it respects the sovereignty of other countries, it will continue to oppose Chinese activities in territories that India claims as its own.