The situation between India and China is very different this year in terms of scale of troops involved and number of friction points, said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said that while India is committed to peaceful resolution of the situation, it is also prepared to deal with all contingencies.  

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“The situation this year is very different both in terms of scale of troops involved & no. of friction points. We do remain committed to peaceful resolution of the current situation. At the same time, we remain prepared to deal with all contingencies,” Singh said.  

He stated that there are very sensitive operational issues in the present situation and added that he cannot share the details of the same.  

“I hope the House will understand the sensitivity of the matter,” Singh said.  

The senior BJP leader explained that China continues to be in illegal occupation of approx 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 PoK to China, he added.

“On 15 June, Col Santosh Babu, along with his 19 brave soldiers, made the supreme sacrifice in Galwan Valley towards the cause of defending the territorial integrity of India. Our PM himself went to Ladakh to boost morale of forces,” the defence minister said.

He added that China also claims approximately 90,000 sq. kms. of Indian territory in the Eastern Sector of the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh.  

“Conduct of our armed forces throughout these incidents shows that while they maintained 'Sayyam' in face of provocative actions, they also equally displayed 'Shaurya' when required to protect territorial integrity of India,” Singh said, while adding that Chinese actions reflect a disregard of our various bilateral agreements.  

He said that the amassing of the troops by China goes against the 1993 & 1996 Agreements. Respecting and strictly observing Line of Actual Control is the basis for peace &tranquility in the border areas, Singh said.  

“China, in last many decades undertook significant infrastructure construction activity to enhance their deployment capabilities in the border areas. Our Govt too has stepped up the budget for border infrastructure development to about double the previous levels. While our armed forces abide scrupulously by it, this has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side,” he added.