Pakistan, China creating border disputes "under a mission", says Indian defence minister

(Karachi) Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has accused China and Pakistan of creating border disputes "under a mission", media reported on Monday.

Singh's comments comes as Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months. He was addressing a virtual event to inaugurate 43 bridges built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in seven border states and union territories.

The bridges have been built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Of the 44 bridges, seven are in Ladakh where the Indian Army and Chinese PLA are at loggerheads since May.

Singh said these bridges will help movement of ration and military equipment to sustain security forces posted in remote border areas even during the winter when heavy snowfall often cuts off supply lines. He said the bridges will also help facilitate the civilians living in remote border areas.

He stated, “You are also aware of the situation at our eastern and northern borders. It appears as if border disputes are being created under a mission, first by Pakistan and now even China."

The Indian minister maintained, "The two countries share 7,000 km of borders with us and often in some or the other sector there is tension. Despite such problems the nation is not just dealing with these challenges with great determination but also bringing about crucial changes in all sectors.”

Both India and China held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border standoff. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to defuse the situation.

With escalating tensions at its border with Pakistan and China, India is expediting work on several military projects, including a strategic road linking Darcha in Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh that will criss-cross a number of high-altitude snow-bound passes.

The 290 kilometer long road will be used for the movement of troops and heavy weaponry into the frontier bases of the Ladakh region and will provide a crucial link to the Kargil region.