Text of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s
Statement in Lok Sabha on September 15 Regarding
Situation on Eastern Border in Ladakh
“Hon’ble Speaker,
1. I rise today to brief this august House about the development on our eastern borders in Ladakh. You are
aware that our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji had visited Ladakh and met our brave soldiers
to convey the message of solidarity of the Nation behind their every action. I too have spent some time with
our soldiers in Ladakh and I want to tell you that I have felt their indomitable courage, gallant and valor. As
you are aware that Col Santosh Babu, along with his 19 brave soldiers, made the supreme sacrifice in the
cause of defending the territorial integrity of India. Hon’ble Speaker, this House has paid homage to them by
observing two minutes silence yesterday.
2. I would like to take some time first to briefly provide some details of our boundary issue with China. As
the House is aware, India and China are yet to resolve their boundary question. China does not accept the
customary and traditional alignment of the boundary between India and China. We believe that this alignment
is based on well-established geographical principles confirmed by treaties and agreements, as well as
historical usage and practice, well-known for centuries to both sides. The Chinese position,however, is that
the boundary between the two countries has not been formally delimited, that there exists a traditional
customary line formed by the extent of jurisdiction that they claim was exercised historically by each side,
and that the two sides have different interpretations of the position of the traditional customary line. The two
countries had engaged in discussions during 1950s-60s but these efforts could not yield a mutually acceptable
solution.
3. As the House is aware, China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq. kms in
the Union Territory of Ladakh. In addition, under the so-called Sino-Pakistan 'Boundary Agreement' of 1963,
Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. China also
claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in
Arunachal Pradesh.
4. Both India and China have formally agreed that theboundary question is a complex issue which requires
patience and have committed to seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution through dialogue
and peaceful negotiations.In the interim, the two sides also agree that maintenance of peace and tranquility in
the border areas is an essential basis for the further development of bilateral relations.
5. I would like to mention here that as yet there is no commonly delineated Line of Actual Control (LAC)
in the border areas between India and China and there is no common perception of the entire LAC. Therefore,
in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas, especially along the Line of Actual Control
(LAC), the two countries have concluded a number of agreements and protocols.
6. Under these agreements, the two sides have agreed to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC
without prejudice to their respective positions on the alignment of the LAC as well as on the boundary
question. It is on this basis, that our overall relations also saw considerable progress since 1988. India’s
position is that while bilateral relations can continue to develop in parallel with discussions on resolving the
boundary question, any serious disturbance in peace and tranquility along the LAC in the border areas is
bound to have implications for the positive direction of our ties.
7. A key element of both the 1993 and the 1996 Agreements is that the two sides will keep their military
forces in the areas along the Line of Actual Control to a minimum level. These agreements also mandate that
pending an ultimate solution to the boundary question, the two sides shall strictly respect and observe the Line
of Actual Control.Furthermore in these agreements, India and China also committed to clarification and
confirmation of the Line of Actual Control to reach a common understanding of the alignment. Thus, in late
1990s and upto 2003, the two sides engaged in an exercise to clarify and confirm the LAC. But, thereafter the
Chinese side did not show a willingness to pursue the LAC clarification exercise. As a result, there are some
areas where the Chinese and Indian perceptions of LAC overlap. In these areas, as also with other sections of
the border areas, the various agreements govern the manner in which troops of both sides should operate and
deal with situations of face-offs to maintain peace and tranquility.
8. Before I apprise the House of the current developments, let me inform that the Government has an
elaborate and time tested coordination mechanism amongst different intelligence agencies including
intelligence units of the Central Police Forces and the three armed forces. The technical and human
intelligence is continuously gathered in a well coordinated manner. It is shared with the armed forces which
help them in taking decisions.
9. Let me now apprise the House of the developments this year. Since April,we had noticed a buildup of
troops and armaments by the Chinese side in the border areas adjacent to Eastern Ladakh. In early May, the
Chinese side had taken action to hinder the normal, traditional patrolling pattern of our troops in the Galwan
Valley area, which resulted in a face-off. Even as this situation was being addressed by the Ground
Commanders as per the provisions of our bilateral agreements and protocol, in mid-May the Chinese side
made several attempts to transgress the LAC in other parts of the Western Sector. This included Kongka La,
Gogra and North Bank of Pangong Lake. These attempts were detected early and consequently responded to
appropriatelyby our armed forces.
10. We made it clear to the Chinese side both through diplomatic and military channels that China was, by
such actions,attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo. It was categorically conveyed that this was
unacceptable.
11. Given the growing friction along the LAC, the Senior Commanders of the two sides in a meeting on
June 6 2020agreed on a process of disengagement that involved reciprocal actions. Both sides also agreed to
respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However in violation of
this the Chinese side created a violent face off on June 15th at Galwan. Our brave soldiers laid down their
lives and also inflicted costs including casualties on the Chinese side,
12. The conduct of our armed forces throughout these incidents shows that while they maintained
“Sayyam” in the face of provocative actions, they also equally displayed “Shaurya” when required to protect
the territorial integrity of India.I would like the House to join me in recognizing the courage and valour of our
soldiers, who undergo immense hardship in the most difficult conditions to keep us all safe and secure.
13. While no one should doubt our determination to safeguard our borders, India believes that mutual
respect and mutual sensitivity are the basis for peaceful relations with neighbours. As we want to resolve the
current situation through dialogue, we have maintained diplomatic and military engagement with the Chinese
side. In these discussions, we have maintained the three key principles that, determine our approach: (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 and understandings between the two sides much be fully abided by in
their entirety. The Chinese side, on its part, took the position that the situation should be handled in a
responsible manner and ensure peace and tranquility as per bilateral agreements and protocol.
14. Even as these discussions were going on, the Chinese side again engaged in provocative military
manoeuvers on the night of 29thand 30thAugust in an attempt to change the status quo in the South Bank area
of Pangong Lake. But yet again, timely and firm actions by our armed forces along the LAC prevented such
attempts from succeeding.
15. As is clear from these events, the Chinese actions reflect a disregard of our various bilateral agreements.
The amassing of the troops by China goes against the 1993 and 1996 Agreements. Respecting and strictly
observing the Line of Actual Control is the basis for peace and tranquility in the border areas and explicitly
recognized in both 1993 and 1996 agreements. While our armed forces abide scrupulously by it, this has not
been reciprocated by the Chinese side. Their actions have led to face-offs and frictions from time to time
along the LAC. As I mentioned earlier, the agreements have detailed procedures and norms to deal with the
situation of face-offs. However, in the recent incidents, this year, the violent conduct of Chinese forces has
been in complete violation of all mutually agreed norms.
16. As of now, the Chinese side has mobilized a large number of troops and armaments along the LAC as
well as in the depth areas. There are several friction areas in Eastern Ladakh including Gogra, Kongka La and
North and South Banks of the Pangong Lake. In response to China’s actions, our armed forces have also made
appropriate counter deployments in these areas to ensure that India’s security interests are fully protected. The
House should have full confidence that our armed forces will always rise to the challenge and do us all proud.
This is still an ongoing situation and obviously involves sensitive operational issues. I would, therefore, not be
able to give more details in public and I am confident about the understanding of the House in this regard.
17. This rapid deployment by our armed forcesincluding ITBP has taken place in a challenging time of
COVID-19. Their efforts need to be appreciated. It has also been made possible by the high importance that
the Government has placed for developing border infrastructure in the last few years. The House is aware that
over the last many decades, China had undertaken significant infrastructure construction activity that
enhanced their deployment capabilities in the border areas. However, in response, our Government too has
stepped up the budget for border infrastructure development to about double the previous levels. As a result,
more roads and bridges have been completed in the border areas. This has not only provided much needed
connectivity to the local population, but has also provided better logistical support for our armed forces,
enabling them to be more alert in the border areas and respond more effectively where required. In the coming
years too, the Government remains committed to this objective.
Hon’ble Speaker,
18. I would like to emphasize, that India remains committed to resolving the current issues in our border
areas through peaceful dialogue and consultations. It was in pursuit of this objective that I met my Chinese
counterpart on 4th September in Moscow and had an in-depth discussion with him. I conveyed in clear terms
our concerns related to the actions of the Chinese side, including amassing of large number of troops, their
aggressive behavior and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo that were in violation of the bilateral
agreements. I also made it clear that even as we wanted to peacefully resolve the issue and would like the
Chinese side to work with us, there should also be no doubt about our determination to protect India’s
sovereignty and territorial integrity. My colleague, Shri Jai Shankar, the External Affairs Minister, has
thereafter met the Chinese Foreign Minister in Moscow on 10th September. The two have reached an
agreement that, if implemented sincerely and faithfully by the Chinese side, could lead to complete
disengagement and restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas.
19. As the Members are aware, in the past too we have had situations of prolonged stand-offs in our border
areas with China which have been resolved peacefully. Even though the situation this year is very different
both in terms of scale of troops involved and the number of friction points, we do remain committed to the
peaceful resolution of the current situation.At the same time, the House can be assured that we remain
prepared to deal with all contingencies.
20. Hon’ble Speaker this House has had a glorious tradition that whenever the country is faced with a
challenge, this House has always exhibited its strength and unity towards the resolve and determination of our
Armed Forces. This House has also reposed its full confidence in the indomitable spirit, gallantry and bravery
of our Armed Forces deployed on our borders.
21. I can assure you that the morale and motivation of our Armed Forces is very high. The reassuring visit
by our PM has ensured that our commanders and soldiers understand that the entire nation stands behind them
in support of the just cause of defending our territorial integrity. They are accordingly being provisioned with
suitable clothing, habitat and the required defence wherewithal. The determination of our troops is praise
worthy. They are capable of serving at forbidding altitudes with scarce oxygen and in extremely cold
temperatures, something that they have effortlessly done over the last many years on Siachen, and Kargil.
22. I will not hesitate to share with this august House that we are facing a challenge in Ladakh and I urge
the House to pass a resolution in support of our Armed Forces who have been defending our motherland at
great heights and most inclement weather conditions in Ladakh for our safety and security. This is a time
when this august House has to come together and reiterate confidence and faith in the velour of the brave
armed forces and support them in the mission that they have undertaken to protect the territorial integrity of
our motherland.
Jai Hind.”
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