MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Rejects Legitimacy of China’s New Counties in Ladakh, Raises Concerns Over Dam Project
India China Relations: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, recently addressed two crucial issues during a press conference. The spokesperson condemned China’s establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture, asserting India’s firm stance on its territorial sovereignty over Ladakh. Additionally, Jaiswal voiced concerns over China’s dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, stressing the importance of transparency and consultation with downstream nations. Below are the key points from his statements.
India Rejects China’s Two New Counties in Hotan Prefecture
Speaking on the creation of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised India’s firm stance on its sovereignty. He stated:
“We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area.”
Watch Here:
#WATCH | Delhi: On China’s two new counties in Hotan prefecture, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, ” We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in… pic.twitter.com/Fgjseevk2O
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
He further said, “The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India’s long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China’s illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.”
India Expresses Concerns Over China’s Mega Dam Project
On China’s mega dam project, which is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25 December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.”
Watch Here:
#WATCH | On China’s dam project, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25 December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with… pic.twitter.com/LuQKPQVDNM
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
He further said, “As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory.”
India has consistently raised its concerns through India China relations about the potential impacts of such large-scale projects on the Brahmaputra River, highlighting the need for transparency and cooperation with downstream countries.
