India Rejects China’s New Counties in Ladakh, Lodges Strong Diplomatic Protest

Government asserts that it does not recognize China’s illegal occupation in Ladakh and has protested the administrative move through official diplomatic channels.

March 22, 2025: New Delhi – India has strongly opposed China’s latest move to create two new administrative counties in the Hotan prefecture, which includes areas claimed by India in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The government told Parliament on Friday that it has officially lodged a “solemn protest” through diplomatic channels.

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Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, made it clear that India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory and that such moves have no legitimacy.

“The creation of new counties will neither impact India’s long-standing position on sovereignty nor validate China’s unlawful occupation,” Singh said.

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The Ministry of External Affairs was responding to a question on whether the government is aware of China’s establishment of two new counties that incorporate Indian land in Ladakh. The question also sought to understand India’s diplomatic response and any long-term strategy to counter China’s increasing activities in the Aksai Chin region.

Singh confirmed that India is aware of China’s efforts to enhance its administrative footprint and infrastructure along the border, but stressed that India is equally focused on strengthening its presence and readiness in these regions.

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He said that the Government of India has significantly increased investment in border infrastructure between 2014 and 2024, with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) spending three times more than the previous decade. This has led to notable expansion in roads, bridges, and tunnels, enhancing both civilian connectivity and military logistics.

“The government remains vigilant of all developments that impact national security and takes all necessary measures to protect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Singh underlined.

This development comes amid ongoing tensions along the India-China border, particularly in Ladakh, where both nations continue to assert territorial claims.

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India China border, Ladakh dispute, Aksai Chin, Chinese occupation, Hotan prefecture, new counties in Ladakh, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Indian sovereignty, diplomatic protest, border infrastructure, BRO, India Parliament, strategic response, External Affairs Ministry