India protested with China over construction work in Shaksgam Valley: MEA

 The backdrop of this protest is the ongoing military standoff between India and China in the Ladakh sector...

Digital Desk: India has formally protested against China's recent construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley, an area that has been a point of contention between the two nations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over what it termed "illegal attempts to alter facts on the ground" by China through the construction of roads and infrastructure in the disputed territory.

The backdrop of this protest is the ongoing military standoff between India and China in the Ladakh sector, which has severely strained bilateral relations. India has emphasised that restoring peace and tranquilly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is crucial for normalising ties between the two nations.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India's rejection of the China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, which attempted to cede the Shaksgam Valley to China. Jaiswal affirmed India's territorial claim over the valley and warned of potential measures to safeguard its interests.

The Shaksgam Valley, part of the larger Shaksgam Tract, has been under Chinese occupation since 1963, despite India's consistent objection. Recent satellite images indicate the construction of a road by China, extending into the valley and nearing the Siachen glacier, a region held by India. The construction work commenced in 2023 and has progressed significantly, with further developments observed this month.

Jaiswal stressed that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of Indian territory and was previously part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Regarding the broader India-China relationship, he emphasised that resolving the LAC standoff requires time due to the complexity of the issues involved.

India's protest underscores its commitment to defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions with China in the region.