China building infrastructure near India border, but so are we: MEA

Acknowledging that Beijing has undertaken infrastructure construction activity in the past along the border areas, India has said that it keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on its security and takes all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along with the border areas with India. In response, our government too has stepped up border infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges etc, which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population along the border," the External Affairs Ministry said after a report emerged that China has created a new village with around 101 homes on the banks of the River Tsari Chu in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.

"The government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along with the border areas for the improvement of livelihood of its citizens, including in Arunachal Pradesh," the ministry said.

Beijing has been claiming Arunachal Pradesh as its part of Southern Tibet while India contests it.

The report has come when two neighbouring countries are having strained relationships over the last eight months. In June last year, the troops from both sides had a violent scuffle in Galwan valley, which led to the killing of 20 Indian soldiers and China also suffered massive casualties. But Beijing has never disclosed the figures. 

Aiming to diffuse tension in eastern Ladakh, eight rounds of military talks at Corps Commander-level and several rounds of diplomatic-level talks have been taken place, but nothing concrete has emerged so far in terms of disengagement.

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Beijing
• Border
• China
• India
• Line of Actual Control
• MEA
• Tsari Chu
• infrastructure
• Upper Subansiri