On Friday, the government stated that India is aware of China creating two new counties, some areas of which fall within Ladakh, and has lodged a "solemn" protest through diplomatic channels. In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh asserted that India has never obtained the “illegal Chinese occupation of the Indian Territory in this area.”

"The Government of India has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of the Indian Territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding India's sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same," according to the minister.

She further stated that the government has lodged its "solemn protest over these developments through diplomatic channels." The ministry was questioned about whether it is aware of "China's establishment of two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, incorporating Indian territory in Ladakh," and if so, what strategic and diplomatic steps the government has taken to address the issue.

In response to this question, the Minister expressed, “The Government of India is aware of the announcement by the Chinese side pertaining to the establishment of so-called 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".

The query also requested information on the protests India has lodged against the "creation of these counties" and any responses received from the Chinese government, if any.

"Government gives careful and special attention to the improvement of infrastructure for the development of border areas, in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas, as also to meet India's strategic and security requirements," stated the MoS.

The minister highlighted that the government closely monitors all developments affecting India's security and takes all necessary steps to protect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.