Rajnath Singh’s View on Alleged Chinese Occupation of Indian Land in Ladakh

When asked if China has occupied Indian territory in Ladakh during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, Rajnath Singh responded, “I don’t think so.” He acknowledged ongoing Commander-level talks between India and China to address unresolved issues dating back to 2013, expressing confidence in finding a resolution through dialogue.

While the Centre asserts that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has not encroached on Indian land, the Congress claims otherwise, alleging Chinese occupation in Eastern Ladakh. Former finance minister P Chidambaram accused China, under the BJP government, of seizing 2000 square km of Indian territory and fortifying it. He criticized the BJP’s response to China’s actions, particularly in renaming villages and landmarks in Arunachal Pradesh.

In response to the Congress’s pledge to restore the “status quo ante” on borders with China, Rajnath Singh questioned whether the Congress would seek to reclaim lost lands from previous administrations. He assured the nation that under PM Modi’s leadership, India would not yield even an inch of its territory.

Since the May 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff, relations between India and China have been strained. Despite 21 rounds of corps commander-level talks, significant tensions persist. While some disengagement has been agreed upon at specific points, India insists on PLA’s withdrawal from additional areas like Depsang and Demchok for normalization of bilateral relations.