On Reports of Chinese Construction in Arunachal Pradesh, MEA Says India on ‘Constant Watch’

Amid reports that China has made constructions in Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said in a statement that India has kept a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads and bridges.

The MEA said in a statement, “We have seen recent reports on China undertaking construction work along with the border areas with India. China has undertaken such infrastructure construction activity in the past several years.”

“In response, our Government has stepped up border infrastructure including the construction of roads, bridges, etc, which has provided much-needed connectivity to the local population along the border,” the statement said.

The statement said that the government “keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

The reports had said that China had made constructions in an area that has been long disputed and conflict-ridden.

The MEA said, “The Government remains committed to the objective of creating infrastructure along with the border areas for the improvement of livelihood of its citizens, including in Arunachal Pradesh.”

India and China have, meanwhile, have been embroiled in a border dispute in eastern Ladakh as well.