India has lodged a strong protest with China over the establishment of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture, which include areas that are part of India's Union Territory of Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that these developments do not alter India's longstanding position regarding its sovereignty over the region.
During a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the announcement of the new counties was unacceptable as it pertains to areas under illegal Chinese occupation. Jaiswal reiterated India's stance, saying, “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.” He confirmed that a formal protest had been lodged with China through diplomatic channels.
Additionally, the MEA addressed concerns over China's construction of a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. As a lower riparian state with established user rights, India has consistently expressed its concerns regarding China’s projects on rivers in its territory. Jaiswal highlighted the importance of transparency and consultation with downstream countries, especially regarding the Brahmaputra River. The Indian government has urged China to ensure that its upstream activities do not adversely impact the interests of downstream states.
India’s strong response to China’s actions reflects a broader pattern of territorial disputes. In the past, Beijing has repeatedly sought to assert claims over Indian territories through maps and naming exercises. For example, China has released lists of so-called "standardized" names for places in Arunachal Pradesh in 2017, 2021, and 2023, which India has categorically rejected. The MEA has consistently emphasized that assigning "invented" names to Indian territories does not change the ground reality or affect India's sovereignty.
The MEA reassured that India remains vigilant and will continue to take necessary measures to protect its territorial and riparian interests while asserting its rights and sovereignty in the face of Chinese actions.
