Lok Sabha Question No. 605 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-04
Subject: New Bridge on Pangong Lake
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: T.N. Prathapan, Feroze Varun Gandhi, K. Muraleedharan, Sarmistha Sethi, Bheemrao Baswanthrao Patil, Manickam Tagore B, Anto  Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.605 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2022

## NEW BRIDGE ON PANGONG LAKE

605. SHRI T.N. PRATHAPAN: SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI: SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN: SHRIMATI SARMISTHA SETHI: SHRI B.B.PATIL: SHRI MANICKAM TAGORE B.: SHRI ANTO ANTONY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken cognisance of the construction of a new bridge by Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Pangong Lake in Ladakh and if so, the details thereof indicating its distance from the LAC;
- (b) the impact this will have on India-China relations and Rounds of Talks between the two countries;
- (c) whether the Government has raised/intends to raise this issue with China and if so, the details thereof along with the assessment made of the potential security risks due to construction of the said bridge;
- (d) whether the Government plans to initiate disengagement of Indian troops from Hot Springs areas as was the key agenda of discussion in the 14th Round of Talks with China, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (e) whether the Government intends to deploy more troops and develop border infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, in light of recent reports of   China   renaming   some   parts   of   Arunachal   Pradesh   on   its geographical maps, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) to (e) The Government has taken note of a bridge being constructed by China on Pangong lake. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have continued to be under the illegal occupation of China since 1962. Government   of   India   has   never   accepted   this   illegal   occupation. Government has made it clear on several occassions that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and   we   expect   other   countries   to   respect   India's   sovereignty   and territorial integrity .

As regards disengagement in the remaining areas along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, India and China have maintained dialogue through both diplomatic and military channels. Our approach in these talks has been and will continue to be guided by three key principles, that, (i) both sides should   strictly   respect   and   observe   the   LAC;   (ii)   neither   side   should attempt   to   alter   the   status   quo   unilaterally;   and   (iii)   all   agreements between the two sides must be fully abided by in their entirety.The last round of talks between the Senior Commanders of India and China was held on 12 th  January 2022. They agreed that both sides should follow the guidance provided by their Leaders and work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest as this would help in restoration of peace and tranquility along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh and enable progress in bilateral relations.

Government has noted reports of renaming of some places by China in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This is a futile exercise that will not alter the fact that Arunachal Pradesh has always been, is and will always be an integral part of India.

Government gives careful and specific attention to the improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas as also to meet India's strategic and security requirements. Government also keeps a constant watch on all   developments   having   a   bearing   on   India's   security   and   takes   all necessary steps to ensure that our security interests are fully protected.

***

2