The India-China standoff has come as a lesson in upholding national interest above everything else. India's former Vice chief of Air staff Pranab Kumar Barbora did exactly this in 2008. The retired Air Marshal reopened the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip without the UPA govt's permission. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how his decision has given India a strategic advantage against China 12 years on.

Gravitas: The story & significance of Daulat Beg Oldi

Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Sunday visited the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Sunday and promised safety, security and overall development to residents along with Pangong Lake near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where tension is prevailing.

In his three-day tour, the BJP MP visited Thakung and Chartse Posts and examined the actual position at Finger 4 and other posts.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/MPLadakh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MPLadakh</a> on three days extensive tour to Line of Actual Control (LAC) Border, the current site of conflict with China and ensures safety, security and overall development of the civilian residents along with Pangong Lake.<a href="https://twitter.com/sudhirchaudhary?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sudhirchaudhary</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/RZnjKvHvAD">pic.twitter.com/RZnjKvHvAD</a>
— Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (@MPLadakh) <a href="https://twitter.com/MPLadakh/status/1269666074846302208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The BJP MP from Ladakh praising PM Modi said, “We have a very competent government at the Centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister who is very patriotic, dynamic and committed for the overall development of a well secured and very strong nation. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, we the countrymen have full faith that not even an inch of Indian land would go away”.

During his tour, he stayed overnight in Chushul which holds prominence as it was the site of a fierce battle during the 1962 India-China war and also interacted with the village representatives of the region.

During the visit to the border, the MP said: "We don't want any confrontation with our neighbouring countries and we strongly believe in peace, progress and prosperity."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Sunday visited the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Sunday and promised safety, security and overall development to residents along with Pangong Lake near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where tension is prevailing.

Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Sunday visited the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Sunday and promised safety, security and overall development to residents along with Pangong Lake near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) where tension is prevailing. In his three-day tour, the BJP MP visited Thakung and Chartse Posts and examined the actual position at Finger 4 and other posts. @MPLadakh on three days extensive tour to Line of Actual Control (LAC) Border, the current site of conflict with China and ensures safety, security and overall development of the civilian residents along with Pangong Lake.@sudhirchaudhary @PMOIndia @AmitShah @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/RZnjKvHvAD — Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (@MPLadakh) June 7, 2020 × The BJP MP from Ladakh praising PM Modi said, “We have a very competent government at the Centre under the leadership of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister who is very patriotic, dynamic and committed for the overall development of a well secured and very strong nation. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, we the countrymen have full faith that not even an inch of Indian land would go away”. During his tour, he stayed overnight in Chushul which holds prominence as it was the site of a fierce battle during the 1962 India-China war and also interacted with the village representatives of the region. During the visit to the border, the MP said: "We don't want any confrontation with our neighbouring countries and we strongly believe in peace, progress and prosperity." (With inputs from agencies)

Amid India-China standoff Ladakh MP says ‘not an inch of land would go away’

Ahead of the military talks on the border face-off in eastern Ladakh on Saturday, India and China talked diplomacy on Friday on the issue.&nbsp;

Joint Secretary, East Asia in the Ministry of external affairs&nbsp;Naveen Srivastava and&nbsp;Director General in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs&nbsp;Wu Jianghao&nbsp;had a video conference on the issue with both sides agreeing that "differences should not become disputes"

The MEA in its release said, "Both sides also agreed that in accordance with the guidance provided by the leadership, the two sides should handle their differences through peaceful discussion bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations and not allow them to become disputes."

Recalling the consensus reached by the Indian and the Chinese leadership in the two&nbsp;informal summits - Wuhan and the Chennai connect, MEA said, "that peaceful, stable and balanced relations between India and China will be a positive factor for stability in the current global situation".

In a tweet, the&nbsp;Chinese Ambassador to India&nbsp;Sun Weidong reiterated the&nbsp;"strategic guidance" given by the two leaders and that both "China &amp; India pose no threat to each other &amp; represent development opportunities for each other".

In the bid to diffuse the India China face-off that occurred at the Line of Actual Control(LAC), military talks will take place on Saturday morning.

14 corps commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh will be representing the Indian side while&nbsp;Maj Gen Liu Lin, commander of South Xinjiang Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will represent his country in the talks.

Sources told WION that&nbsp;India will bring forth specific point to deescalate tensions in Pangong, Galwan valley and Demchok areas.

Sources explained while the&nbsp;aim of the talks is to ease tension, New Delhi will be firm when it comes to commitment to territorial integrity. The meeting will take place in&nbsp;Moldo in China opposite Chushul in Ladakh sector which is the usual pint of meeting between both sides during any talks or to celebrate Chinese or Indian festivals.&nbsp;

This year both India and China mark 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties and for that, it was agreed in last year's informal summit in India that 35 events in India and 35 events in China will take place that will increase people-to-people engagement. It has been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

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Ahead of the military talks on the border face-off in eastern Ladakh on Saturday, India and China talked diplomacy on Friday on the issue. Joint Secretary, East Asia in the Ministry of external affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs Wu Jianghao had a video conference on the issue with both sides agreeing that "differences should not become disputes" The MEA in its release said, "Both sides also agreed that in accordance with the guidance provided by the leadership, the two sides should handle their differences through peaceful discussion bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations and not allow them to become disputes.

Ahead of the military talks on the border face-off in eastern Ladakh on Saturday, India and China talked diplomacy on Friday on the issue. Joint Secretary, East Asia in the Ministry of external affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs Wu Jianghao had a video conference on the issue with both sides agreeing that "differences should not become disputes" The MEA in its release said, "Both sides also agreed that in accordance with the guidance provided by the leadership, the two sides should handle their differences through peaceful discussion bearing in mind the importance of respecting each other's sensitivities, concerns and aspirations and not allow them to become disputes." Recalling the consensus reached by the Indian and the Chinese leadership in the two informal summits - Wuhan and the Chennai connect, MEA said, "that peaceful, stable and balanced relations between India and China will be a positive factor for stability in the current global situation". In a tweet, the Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong reiterated the "strategic guidance" given by the two leaders and that both "China & India pose no threat to each other & represent development opportunities for each other". In the bid to diffuse the India China face-off that occurred at the Line of Actual Control(LAC), military talks will take place on Saturday morning. 14 corps commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh will be representing the Indian side while Maj Gen Liu Lin, commander of South Xinjiang Military Region of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will represent his country in the talks. Sources told WION that India will bring forth specific point to deescalate tensions in Pangong, Galwan valley and Demchok areas. Sources explained while the aim of the talks is to ease tension, New Delhi will be firm when it comes to commitment to territorial integrity. The meeting will take place in Moldo in China opposite Chushul in Ladakh sector which is the usual pint of meeting between both sides during any talks or to celebrate Chinese or Indian festivals. This year both India and China mark 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties and for that, it was agreed in last year's informal summit in India that 35 events in India and 35 events in China will take place that will increase people-to-people engagement. It has been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

India-China talk diplomacy ahead of military talks on border row

The United States is &ldquo;encouraging&rdquo; India and China to &ldquo;have direct dialogue&rdquo; to resolve the Doklam standoff, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.&nbsp;

&quot;Just that we are encouraging both parties to sit down and have direct dialogue,&quot; Heather Nauert said when asked about the United States&#39; stand on the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18669">China shows off troops to Indian journalists, Army says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18669">withdraw</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18669">&nbsp;from Doklam</a>

Earlier, the US had said that it was closely following the border standoff.

Last week, a top American defence expert had said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/18923">India is &quot;behaving like a mature power&quot;</a> in the Doklam standoff.

Earlier this month, China asked India to pull back its troops from the border region &ldquo;no string attached&rdquo;.

India has, however, said that both China and India need to pull back troops from the region.

The crisis began in June when a Chinese construction crew was found to be trying to extend a road in the Doklam region. 
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Earlier, the US had said that it was closely following the border standoff between the two countries

The United States is “encouraging” India and China to “have direct dialogue” to resolve the Doklam standoff, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said. "Just that we are encouraging both parties to sit down and have direct dialogue," Heather Nauert said when asked about the United States' stand on the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim. Also read: China shows off troops to Indian journalists, Army says withdraw from Doklam Earlier, the US had said that it was closely following the border standoff. Last week, a top American defence expert had said that India is "behaving like a mature power" in the Doklam standoff. Earlier this month, China asked India to pull back its troops from the border region “no string attached”. India has, however, said that both China and India need to pull back troops from the region. The crisis began in June when a Chinese construction crew was found to be trying to extend a road in the Doklam region.

We are encouraging both parties to sit down and have direct dialogue: US on Doklam standoff

The Bhutanese government on Thursday rejected China&rsquo;s claim that Bhutan had conveyed had conveyed through diplomatic channels&nbsp;to China that Doklam in not in its territory, news agency ANI reported.

&quot;Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our<a href="http://www.mfa.gov.bt/press-releases/press-release-272.html"> </a><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.bt/press-releases/press-release-272.html">statement</a><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.bt/press-releases/press-release-272.html"> </a>which has been published on the web site of Bhutan&#39;s foreign ministry on June 29, 2017.&quot; ANI quoted official sources in the Bhutanese government as saying.

The sources said Bhutan has conveyed to China that construction of the road in Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements.

&quot;Bhutan has conveyed to the Chinese side, both on the ground and through the diplomatic channel, that the construction of the (motorable) road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the (written) agreements (of 1988 and 1998) and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between our two countries,&quot; Bhutan&rsquo;s official statement reads.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dokalam-stand-off-indian-army-in-no-war-no-peace-mode-against-china-18791">Indian army in &#39;no war, no peace&#39; mode against China </a>

Wang Wenli, Deputy Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs in China&#39;s foreign ministry, told a visiting Indian media delegation on Wednesday that Bhutan has conveyed to Beijing through the diplomatic channels that the area of the stand-off is not its territory.

&quot;After the incident, the Bhutanese made it very clear to us that the place where the trespassing happened is not Bhutan&#39;s territory,&quot; Wang was quoted, as saying.

&quot;Bhutanese find it very strange that the Indian border troops are on the Chinese soil,&quot; she further said.

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Bhutan said it has conveyed to China that construction of the road in Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements

The Bhutanese government on Thursday rejected China’s claim that Bhutan had conveyed had conveyed through diplomatic channels to China that Doklam in not in its territory, news agency ANI reported. "Our position on the border issue of Doklam is very clear. Please refer to our statement which has been published on the web site of Bhutan's foreign ministry on June 29, 2017." ANI quoted official sources in the Bhutanese government as saying. The sources said Bhutan has conveyed to China that construction of the road in Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements. "Bhutan has conveyed to the Chinese side, both on the ground and through the diplomatic channel, that the construction of the (motorable) road inside Bhutanese territory is a direct violation of the (written) agreements (of 1988 and 1998) and affects the process of demarcating the boundary between our two countries," Bhutan’s official statement reads. Also read: Indian army in 'no war, no peace' mode against China Wang Wenli, Deputy Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs in China's foreign ministry, told a visiting Indian media delegation on Wednesday that Bhutan has conveyed to Beijing through the diplomatic channels that the area of the stand-off is not its territory. "After the incident, the Bhutanese made it very clear to us that the place where the trespassing happened is not Bhutan's territory," Wang was quoted, as saying. "Bhutanese find it very strange that the Indian border troops are on the Chinese soil," she further said.

Bhutan rejects Beijing's claim that Doklam is under Chinese territory

India&rsquo;s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that war is not a solution to the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam plateau. She also said&nbsp;that India has taken efforts to ease the standoff.

&ldquo;We have a strong Army but war is not a solution. It (solution) will come with courage, patience and via diplomatic channels,&rdquo; Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/restraint-has-a-bottom-line-china-on-doklam-standoff-18589" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;Restraint has a bottom line, China says on Doklam standoff</a>

Swaraj said India is also talking on the bilateral relations with China.

&ldquo;We are not just negotiating on Doklam with China, we are also talking on&nbsp;the bilateral relations. The solution will emerge from this.&rdquo;

&quot;We will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan,&quot; the foreign minister further said.

The foreign minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi&#39;s talks with China&#39;s ambassador in the wake of the border standoff.

&quot;He should have consulted with the Prime Minister first. The opposition should have taken the government&#39;s view before meeting the Chinese,&quot; Swaraj said.

This comes a day after China&rsquo;s foreign ministry issued a 15-page statement in which it said India should &ldquo;immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary&rdquo;.&nbsp;

The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory.

The foreign minister also said?that India has taken efforts to ease the standoff with China

India’s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said that war is not a solution to the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam plateau. She also said that India has taken efforts to ease the standoff. “We have a strong Army but war is not a solution. It (solution) will come with courage, patience and via diplomatic channels,” Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha. Also read: Restraint has a bottom line, China says on Doklam standoff Swaraj said India is also talking on the bilateral relations with China. “We are not just negotiating on Doklam with China, we are also talking on the bilateral relations. The solution will emerge from this.” "We will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan," the foreign minister further said. The foreign minister also slammed Rahul Gandhi's talks with China's ambassador in the wake of the border standoff. "He should have consulted with the Prime Minister first. The opposition should have taken the government's view before meeting the Chinese," Swaraj said. This comes a day after China’s foreign ministry issued a 15-page statement in which it said India should “immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary”. The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory.

War not a solution to Doklam standoff: Sushma Swaraj

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim, China on Wednesday asked India to immediately pull back its troops from the area with &ldquo;no strings attached&rdquo;, news agency PTI reported.

China&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India&rsquo;s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The ministry told PTI Yang Jiechi expressed China&rsquo;s &ldquo;stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China&#39;s territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary.&rdquo;

The Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that during his talks with Doval, Yang also &quot;urged India to respect China&#39;s territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions.&quot;

The Chinese Embassy in India also posted a 15-page statement titled, &ldquo;The Facts and China&rsquo;s Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops&rsquo; Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory&rdquo; on its official website. The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese&nbsp;territory.

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A picture released by China&#39;s Embassy in India that allegedly shows Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others)
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The statement reads, &ldquo;On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area.&rdquo;

Read the full statement <a href="http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/embassy_news/P020170802545119276265.pdf">here</a>.

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A map released by the Chinese Embassy in India that allegedly shows the site of the Indian troops&rsquo; trespass. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others)
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The statement also said India has no right to interfere as the border issue is between China and Bhutan.

&quot;The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan&rsquo;s behalf.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident,&quot; the statement added.

India&#39;s position on the issue was made clear by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

 
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China?s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India?s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi

Amid the ongoing standoff between India and China in the Doklam plateau next to Sikkim, China on Wednesday asked India to immediately pull back its troops from the area with “no strings attached”, news agency PTI reported. China’s Foreign Ministry provided details of the July 28 meeting between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The ministry told PTI Yang Jiechi expressed China’s “stern positions and explicit requirements on the trespass of Indian border troops into China's territory at the Sikkim section of China-India boundary.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry told PTI that during his talks with Doval, Yang also "urged India to respect China's territorial sovereignty, the international law and the basic rules governing international relations and immediately pull back the trespassing India border troops to the Indian side of the boundary with no strings attached and resolve the current incident with concrete actions." The Chinese Embassy in India also posted a 15-page statement titled, “The Facts and China’s Position Concerning the Indian Border Troops’ Crossing of the China-India Boundary in the Sikkim Sector into the Chinese Territory” on its official website. The statement also contains a map and two pictures allegedly showing Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. A picture released by China's Embassy in India that allegedly shows Indian troops trespassing into Chinese territory. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others) × The statement reads, “On 18 June, over 270 Indian border troops, carrying weapons and driving two bulldozers, crossed the boundary in the Sikkim Sector at the Duo Ka La (Doka La) pass and advanced more than 100 meters into the Chinese territory to obstruct the road building of the Chinese side, causing tension in the area.” Read the full statement here. A map released by the Chinese Embassy in India that allegedly shows the site of the Indian troops’ trespass. (Image source: Chinese Embassy in India) (Others) × The statement also said India has no right to interfere as the border issue is between China and Bhutan. "The China-Bhutan boundary issue is one between China and Bhutan. It has nothing to do with India. As a third party, India has no right to interfere in or impede the boundary talks between China and Bhutan, still less the right to make territorial claims on Bhutan’s behalf." "The incident took place on the Chinese side of the delimited boundary. India should immediately and unconditionally withdraw its trespassing border troops back to the Indian side of the boundary. This is a prerequisite and basis for resolving the incident," the statement added. India's position on the issue was made clear by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj last month, saying both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place, favouring a peaceful resolution of the border standoff.

Pull back troops from Doklam with 'no strings attached': Chinese authorities told Doval

Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Thursday that both India and China should withdraw their troops from their current flashpoint on the Doklam plateau.&nbsp;

So far, Beijing has been saying India should withdraw its troops from Doklam before dialogue can be held, while India has said the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.&nbsp;

Sushma&#39;s statement, the Indian Express reported, should pave the way for dialogue between Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi when they meet at the meeting of NSAs from BRICS countries on July 27 and 28.&nbsp;

The Express added that sources had said India&#39;s demand &mdash; articulated by external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Parliament Thursday &mdash; has been conveyed to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels.

The Express quoted Swaraj as saying in Parliament, &ldquo;Agar Chin unilaterally us trijunction point ke status quo ko badal deta hai, toh phir seedhe seedhe hamari suraksha ko chunauti hoti hai&hellip; unki maang yeh hai ki hum apni senayein wahan se withdraw kar lein&hellip; hum yeh chahate hain ki agar samvaad chal raha hai ki agar baithkar koi baat-cheet karni hai, toh dono apni apni senayein hatayein. Bharat ki taraf se koi bhi unreasonable baat nahin ho rahi hai.&rdquo;

(&ldquo;If China unilaterally changes the status quo at the trijunction point, then that is a direct challenge to our security. Their demand is that we should withdraw our troops from there. We want that, if we are having a conversation, if we want to have talks, then both should withdraw their armies. From our side, there is no unreasonable demand.&rdquo;)

The Doklam plateau lies in Bhutan, but China lays claim to it.&nbsp;

The current standoff, according to the Indian version, began when China began building a road in the region.&nbsp;

The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but their efforts were rebuffed, which is when they asked Indian troops to step in.&nbsp;

That will allow for talks to be held, India's foreign minister said

Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Thursday that both India and China should withdraw their troops from their current flashpoint on the Doklam plateau. So far, Beijing has been saying India should withdraw its troops from Doklam before dialogue can be held, while India has said the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. Sushma's statement, the Indian Express reported, should pave the way for dialogue between Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi when they meet at the meeting of NSAs from BRICS countries on July 27 and 28. The Express added that sources had said India's demand — articulated by external affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Parliament Thursday — has been conveyed to the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. The Express quoted Swaraj as saying in Parliament, “Agar Chin unilaterally us trijunction point ke status quo ko badal deta hai, toh phir seedhe seedhe hamari suraksha ko chunauti hoti hai… unki maang yeh hai ki hum apni senayein wahan se withdraw kar lein… hum yeh chahate hain ki agar samvaad chal raha hai ki agar baithkar koi baat-cheet karni hai, toh dono apni apni senayein hatayein. Bharat ki taraf se koi bhi unreasonable baat nahin ho rahi hai.” (“If China unilaterally changes the status quo at the trijunction point, then that is a direct challenge to our security. Their demand is that we should withdraw our troops from there. We want that, if we are having a conversation, if we want to have talks, then both should withdraw their armies. From our side, there is no unreasonable demand.”) The Doklam plateau lies in Bhutan, but China lays claim to it. The current standoff, according to the Indian version, began when China began building a road in the region. The Bhutanese Army tried to stop them but their efforts were rebuffed, which is when they asked Indian troops to step in.

Sushma on Doklam: Both India and China should withdraw troops

India&#39;s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said that if Beijing unilaterally changes the status quo at the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan, then it poses a challenge to New Delhi&#39;s security.

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If China unilaterally changes status-quo of tri-junction point between China-India &amp; Bhutan then it poses a challenge to our security: EAM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/887935778080169985">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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She was responding to Samajwadi Party&#39;s Naresh Agrawal who questioned the government on the Dokalam standoff.

She added that all the countries including Bhutan support India&#39;s stand on the Dokalam issue.

&quot;India wants that troops are removed from the tri-junction point to discuss the issue together. All countries, including Bhutan, are with us,&quot; Sushma said in Rajya Sabha.

Indian and Chinese troops have been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-stand-off-tensions-spike-as-beijing-asks-indian-army-to-withdraw-from-doka-la-17567">engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam plateau</a> area near the India, Bhutan and China tri-junction. 
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While responding to a question on the Dokalam standoff, Sushma Swaraj said that all nations including Bhutan support India

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has said that if Beijing unilaterally changes the status quo at the tri-junction between India, China and Bhutan, then it poses a challenge to New Delhi's security. If China unilaterally changes status-quo of tri-junction point between China-India & Bhutan then it poses a challenge to our security: EAM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2017 × She was responding to Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agrawal who questioned the government on the Dokalam standoff. She added that all the countries including Bhutan support India's stand on the Dokalam issue. "India wants that troops are removed from the tri-junction point to discuss the issue together. All countries, including Bhutan, are with us," Sushma said in Rajya Sabha. Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam plateau area near the India, Bhutan and China tri-junction.

If China unilaterally changes status quo in Dokalam, it challenges India's security: Sushma Swaraj

There is no significant rise in deployment of troops by China along the Sino-India border and its recent military exercise in the Tibet region should not be linked to the current standoff between the armies of the two countries in Dokalam, top government sources said today.

The sources said the exercise was a routine military drill by China and that its western theatre command has not made any major enhancement in its military might in the wake of the face-off that should trigger alarm bells in India. The command looks after the 3,488-km-long border with India.

The remarks by the government sources come against the backdrop of a report in the official mouthpiece of Chinese military that China&#39;s Army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the remote mountainous Tibet region after the face off with Indian troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector.

The vast haul was transported late last month, the report said but did not clarify whether the movement of the military equipment was to support the exercise in Tibet or for other reasons.

Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area.

Referring to Chinese military&#39;s recent live-fire exercise in the mountainous Tibet region, the government sources said it was a routine drill and will be an exaggeration to link it with the border face-off.

China&#39;s military yesterday had said it conducted the exercise to test its strike capability on plateaus.

China has been ratcheting up rhetoric against India in the recent weeks following the face-off between the armies of the two nation in the Bhutan tri-junction.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, while briefing a parliamentary panel on external affairs yesterday, maintained that New Delhi is engaged with Beijing in defusing tension through diplomatic channels.

A report in the Chinese military mouthpiece said that the army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the Tibet region

There is no significant rise in deployment of troops by China along the Sino-India border and its recent military exercise in the Tibet region should not be linked to the current standoff between the armies of the two countries in Dokalam, top government sources said today. The sources said the exercise was a routine military drill by China and that its western theatre command has not made any major enhancement in its military might in the wake of the face-off that should trigger alarm bells in India. The command looks after the 3,488-km-long border with India. The remarks by the government sources come against the backdrop of a report in the official mouthpiece of Chinese military that China's Army has moved tens of thousands of tonnes of military vehicles and hardware into the remote mountainous Tibet region after the face off with Indian troops in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector. The vast haul was transported late last month, the report said but did not clarify whether the movement of the military equipment was to support the exercise in Tibet or for other reasons. Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the area. Referring to Chinese military's recent live-fire exercise in the mountainous Tibet region, the government sources said it was a routine drill and will be an exaggeration to link it with the border face-off. China's military yesterday had said it conducted the exercise to test its strike capability on plateaus. China has been ratcheting up rhetoric against India in the recent weeks following the face-off between the armies of the two nation in the Bhutan tri-junction. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, while briefing a parliamentary panel on external affairs yesterday, maintained that New Delhi is engaged with Beijing in defusing tension through diplomatic channels.

No significant rise in Chinese troop deployment: Government sources

China&#39;s stand on the Dokalam dispute has been unusually aggressive and articulate, foreign secretary S Jaishankar is believed to have said before a parliamentary panel, according to some committee members, reported PTI.

&ldquo;Jaishankar told us that China&rsquo;s aggression and rhetoric on the recent standoff is unusual but it is not that complicated as it is being projected in some quarters. We will continue to engage with them through diplomatic channels,&rdquo; one of the members said, reported PTI.

Jaishankar used the word standoff instead of words like &ldquo;war-like situation or conflict&rdquo; &nbsp;to describe the current situation at Dokalam, another member said, according to PTI.

Jaishankar said that the Indian side has outlined its position on the border and the Chinese have their own position but they are misinterpreting it and India is trying to clarify it, PTI said.

He further added that the Indian government is engaged with China to defuse the tension through diplomatic channels.

Jaishankar, in a lecture he delivered at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy&nbsp;in Singapore, had said that there is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-reason-to-believe-india-and-china-cant-handle-the-present-border-standoff-s-jaishankar-17821">no reason to believe that India and China cannot resolve the standoff</a> just as they have done in the past.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction for a month now.

Jaishankar, however, added that India and China are engaged in defusing tension through diplomatic channels

China's stand on the Dokalam dispute has been unusually aggressive and articulate, foreign secretary S Jaishankar is believed to have said before a parliamentary panel, according to some committee members, reported PTI. “Jaishankar told us that China’s aggression and rhetoric on the recent standoff is unusual but it is not that complicated as it is being projected in some quarters. We will continue to engage with them through diplomatic channels,” one of the members said, reported PTI. Jaishankar used the word standoff instead of words like “war-like situation or conflict” to describe the current situation at Dokalam, another member said, according to PTI. Jaishankar said that the Indian side has outlined its position on the border and the Chinese have their own position but they are misinterpreting it and India is trying to clarify it, PTI said. He further added that the Indian government is engaged with China to defuse the tension through diplomatic channels. Jaishankar, in a lecture he delivered at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, had said that there is no reason to believe that India and China cannot resolve the standoff just as they have done in the past. Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff in the Dokalam area near the Bhutan trijunction for a month now.

China unusually aggressive in its position on Dokalam: Jaishankar briefs parliamentary panel

Amid the ongoing standoff at the Sino-India border, Chinese state media accused New Delhi of jeopardising Bhutan&#39;s &ldquo;diplomatic sovereignty&rdquo; and &ldquo;bullying&rdquo; tiny Himalayan countries.

An editorial in the Global Times, which is affiliated to the Communist Party of China (CPC) mouthpiece, People&rsquo;s Daily, said India has startling control over Bhutan.

&ldquo;India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan&#39;s diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense,&rdquo; the editorial reads.

It also called for the international community to &ldquo;prevent India from oppressing&rdquo; Bhutan.

On the issue of Sikkim, the editorial accused India of manipulating the country&#39;s parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim an Indian state.

&ldquo;The small neighbor&#39;s revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country&#39;s parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India,&rdquo; it said.

The piece also reiterated China&rsquo;s claims that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the border to disrupt the construction of a road in the Doka La area.&nbsp;

&ldquo;China&#39;s construction site is near India&#39;s Siliguri Corridor, a vital path to the country&#39;s turbulent northeast area. Suspicious of the potential threats the road construction poses to the corridor, Indian troops crossed the border to the China side and obstructed our road construction.&rdquo; &nbsp;

 
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An editorial in China's Global Times called for the international community to 'prevent India from oppressing' Bhutan

Amid the ongoing standoff at the Sino-India border, Chinese state media accused New Delhi of jeopardising Bhutan's “diplomatic sovereignty” and “bullying” tiny Himalayan countries. An editorial in the Global Times, which is affiliated to the Communist Party of China (CPC) mouthpiece, People’s Daily, said India has startling control over Bhutan. “India has startling control and oppression over Bhutan, and as a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with its neighbor China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardized Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defense,” the editorial reads. It also called for the international community to “prevent India from oppressing” Bhutan. On the issue of Sikkim, the editorial accused India of manipulating the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim an Indian state. “The small neighbor's revolts over sovereignty in the 1960s and 1970s were brutally cracked down on by the Indian military. New Delhi deposed the king of Sikkim in 1975 and manipulated the country's parliament into a referendum to make Sikkim a state of India,” it said. The piece also reiterated China’s claims that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the border to disrupt the construction of a road in the Doka La area. “China's construction site is near India's Siliguri Corridor, a vital path to the country's turbulent northeast area. Suspicious of the potential threats the road construction poses to the corridor, Indian troops crossed the border to the China side and obstructed our road construction.”

India severely jeopardising Bhutan's diplomatic sovereignty: Chinese state media