By Ritu Sharma, IANS,
Leh : Beijing’s “non-adherence” to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that separates India and China has resulted in different perceptions in the two countries on where the border lies, Minister of State for Defence (Production) M.M. Pallam Raju said here, while adding “there is no need to be afraid of China”.
Speaking on the sidelines of a conference at this headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh district, Raju told IANS Friday that till the time the border dispute is resolved, “China may make attempts to escalate the issue”.
“Mcmahon line delineates (the border between) India and China. But they (China) do not adhere to that resulting in the problem. So they patrol the area they think is theirs and we patrol the area we think is ours,” Raju told reporters.
The minister is on a visit to this region which borders China soon after media reports of Chinese incursions into Indian territory, reports that New Delhi and Beijing have both denied.
Raju was quick to add that India was not underestimating the “threat perception” from China.
“India-China trade is increasing and it’s the main focus of our relations,” he said. “But we are not underestimating the threat perception. Whatever preparation has to be there from Indian side we are doing it.
“Whatever surveillance is required we are doing it. The number of incursions is same as last year. So there is no need to be concerned. Whatever transgressions are there are raised in flag meetings with China.”
The minister admitted that infrastructure on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control is far worse than in China.
“China side’s infrastructure is very good. They are increasing border patrolling also. We are taking up (infrastructure development) we have neglected over the years. We are modernising infrastructure along the border with China,” he said.
The minister claimed that the Indian Navy has an advantage over China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is of importance to Beijing to secure its energy supply.
“Their energy supplies transit through Indian Ocean Region. Indian Navy is dominating in the Indian Ocean. We are taking care as China may want to come in the region to secure energy lines. So we are modernising at a higher pace,” he said.
Chinese interest in the IOR has been reflected by the huge investments it has made in various ports in India’s neighbouring countries — Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh.