New Delhi, Jan 09 — India on Friday expressed deep concern over reports of China developing road and military infrastructure in the Shaksgam Valley, a region ceded illegally by Pakistan to Beijing.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of Indian territory and reiterated New Delhi’s long-standing position on the issue.
“Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963, which is illegal and invalid. We also do not recognise the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as it passes through Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir. The entire Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India,” Jaiswal said at a media briefing.
The MEA spokesperson further stated that India reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.
The remarks come amid growing concerns in New Delhi over increased Chinese activity in strategically sensitive areas along the India-China frontier and Pakistan occupied territories.