World with us on Doklam, says Sushma Swaraj
India will launch talks with China on the ongoing border standoff only after both sides withdraw their troops from the Doklam, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday. “If China unilaterally changes the status quo of the tri-junction point between China, India and Bhutan, it will pose a challenge to our security,” Swaraj told RS.
NEW DELHI: India will launch talks with China on the ongoing border standoff only after both sides withdraw their troops from the Doklam tri-junction, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.
“If China unilaterally changes the status quo of the trijunction point between China, India and Bhutan, it will pose a challenge to our security,” Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha in response to a question from Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal.
A pact inked in 2012 clearly states the issue should be resolved jointly by the three countries involved, the minister added.
Indian and Chinese border guards have been locked in a standoff at Doklam, which borders Sikkim, since June 16. While Beijing has accused Indian troops of trespassing and preventing its soldiers from building a road, both Thimphu and New Delhi claim that the area falls in Bhutanese territory.
Swaraj claimed that China had been laying roads in the region for a while now, but this time it crossed the line by bringing bulldozers and excavators to the tri-junction with the intention of unilaterally altering its status quo.
“India’s position is not wrong about the tri-junction, and all nations are with it. Nyay hamare paksh mein hai (The law is on our side),” she said, adding that even Bhutan has protested the Chinese move.
China has adopted an aggressive stance at the border, with its state media even warning of impending war. Beijing wants India to withdraw its troops for the two sides to initiate negotiations.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay also reiterated India’s hope of resolving border issues with China through diplomatic means. India is in close contact with the Bhutan government on developments unfolding at the tri-junction, he added.
When asked if India has briefed other nations about the Doklam standoff, Baglay said it would not be prudent of him to speak about diplomatic initiatives on sensitive issues.