North News
New Delhi, January 3
Indian government has formally protested China’s establishment of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture, stating parts of their jurisdiction lie within India’s Union Territory of Ladakh. In a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the announcement regarding the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture. Parts of their jurisdiction fall in India’s Union Territory of Ladakh.” Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s position, highlighting that India has never accepted China’s illegal occupation of Aksai Chin. The MEA further stated that the creation of the new counties would not alter India’s long-standing sovereignty claim over the region or legitimize China’s illegal occupation.
India has also urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream countries along the Brahmaputra river are not affected by activities in upstream areas, following reports of a new hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet Autonomous Region.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson expressed India’s concerns, referencing an announcement made by Xinhua on December 25, 2024, regarding the hydropower project. “As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently communicated our views and concerns to the Chinese side through both expert-level and diplomatic channels,” the spokesperson said.
India has emphasized the need for transparency and consultation with downstream nations, urging China to consider the potential impacts of such mega-projects on the Brahmaputra. “The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by activities in upstream areas,” the spokesperson added, reaffirming that India will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to safeguard its interests.
