India protests China's new counties which include parts of Ladakh

India has expressed strong opposition to China's recent announcement of two new counties in the Hotan Prefecture, a region that includes areas falling within India's Union Territory of Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed lodging a formal protest through diplomatic channels, asserting that these actions violate India's territorial sovereignty.

Addressing the media on Friday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh.”

Jaiswal emphasized that India has never recognized China's claims or the illegal occupation of these areas. He reiterated that the creation of new administrative divisions will neither alter India's position nor grant legitimacy to China's actions. The spokesperson stressed that India's stance on its sovereignty over the Ladakh region remains "long-standing and consistent." He added, "We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels."

India and China have been in a prolonged border standoff since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, with tensions simmering over territorial claims in the eastern Ladakh region. India's latest protest underscores its unwavering stance against any unilateral actions by China aimed at altering the status quo in disputed regions.