‘Plans to Construct Dam on Brahmaputra’
NEW DELHI, Jan 3:
India has formally expressed a “solemn protest” to China regarding the establishment of two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, asserting that such actions do not legitimize Beijing’s “illegal and forcible” occupation in the region.
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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the move, stating that parts of these so-called counties encroach upon India’s Union Territory of Ladakh and that this will not change New Delhi’s steadfast position on its sovereignty.
The announcement of these counties comes shortly after the Special Representatives from both nations resumed stalled boundary talks that had been on hold for nearly five years.
Responding to the establishment of the new counties in Hotan Prefecture, Jaiswal emphasized, “We do not accept the illegal Chinese occupation of any Indian territory in this area.” He further noted, “The creation of counties will neither influence India’s enduring stance on its sovereignty nor legitimize China’s unlawful and forcible control over the region.” He confirmed, “We have lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels.”
This latest development in India-China relations follows the resolution of a prolonged border standoff, with both nations recently agreeing to measures aimed at reducing mistrust.
After an understanding reached on October 21, troops from both sides completed disengagement at the final remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang.
In a subsequent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Russia on October 23, they agreed to revive several bilateral dialogue mechanisms, signaling a desire to normalize relations. Modi underscored the necessity of managing differences properly to maintain peace in border areas.
Around four weeks later, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing. This discussion was the first under the Special Representatives framework in nearly five years, focusing on fostering positive cross-border cooperation such as the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing, and border trade.
In addition, following China’s announcement of plans to construct a significant dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, India stated it will continue monitoring the situation and take needed actions to safeguard its interests. In its initial response to the dam proposal, New Delhi urged Beijing to ensure that activities in upstream areas do not adversely affect downstream states of the Brahmaputra.
“We will keep monitoring and taking necessary measures to protect our interests,” Jaiswal affirmed. Concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. “As a lower riparian state with established rights to the river’s waters, we have consistently communicated our concerns about mega projects on rivers in China’s territory to the Chinese authorities through expert-level and diplomatic channels,” Jaiswal added, reiterating the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
“We have urged the Chinese side to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not compromised by upstream activities,” he concluded. (PTI)
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