India Rejects China’s Sovereignty Claims, Points to Illegal Occupation of Indian Territory

New Delhi–India has consistently respected China’s sovereignty, while Beijing has illegally occupied Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, the Ministry of External Affairs said Friday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also reiterated India’s opposition to Chinese infrastructure projects in the disputed regions, saying New Delhi has legitimate grounds to raise concerns over sovereignty.

His comments followed a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry after a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila. The Chinese statement said, “India respects China’s sovereignty and has always pursued a positive and cooperative bilateral relationship with a forward-looking approach.”

Responding to a question at a media briefing, Jaiswal said India does not violate China’s sovereignty and has maintained a consistent position on territorial issues.

“The External Affairs Minister said that, when it comes to sovereignty issues, it is actually India that should be, and is, raising them. India does not violate China’s sovereignty in any manner and has been consistent. But China is in illegal occupation of Indian territories in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, where India’s rights is officially acknowledged even by China. Also, there are Chinese projects on territories in Jammu and Kashmir that belong to India, and we object to that,” Jaiswal said.

During his meeting with Wang on Wednesday, Jaishankar said peace and stability along the border remained essential for the normalization of relations between the two countries.

“Peace and tranquility in the border areas is obviously the prerequisite for normal ties. Since October 2024, both sides have engaged to ensure that important objective. This will continue to need our constant attention. Relevant mechanisms in this domain must be given full support and strong encouragement,” Jaishankar said.

He added that India and China, as two large neighboring countries, would naturally have their own interests but should prevent disagreements from developing into broader disputes.

“It is natural that as two large and important nations, and that too proximate neighbours, India and China would have their own particular interests. That is why our leaders agreed that differences should not become disputes. It is the responsibility of diplomacy to properly manage them,” he said.

Jaishankar also welcomed recent steps toward improving bilateral relations, including plans to resume direct flights, update visa arrangements, restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and reopen border trade.

He also expressed appreciation for China’s support for BRICS activities and initiatives during India’s presidency. (Source: IANS)