India says troops not cut in Dokalam

India has not reduced its troops in Dokalam, senior government officials said on Wednesday, rebutting China’s claim that the number of Indian security personnel at the tri-junction has come down.

They also asserted that there was a “status quo” at the Dokalam for past six weeks. The strong rebuttal came after Chinese foreign ministry issued a document saying the number of Indian troops was 40 by end of July from 400 in June.

“Over 400 people at one point, have put up three tents and advanced over 180 metres into the Chinese territory. As of the end of July, there were still over 40 Indian border troops and one bulldozer illegally staying in the Chinese territory,” the document said.

Countering China’s contention, sources here maintained that around 350 Indian Army personnel have been in Dokalam for last six weeks after China tried to build a road in the area, triggering the standoff. China also said that it has conveyed its firm stand to India that it must take “concrete actions” by immediately pulling back troops from Dokalam with “no strings attached” to resolve the current standoff.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj last month had said that both sides should first pull back their troops for any talks to take place.

India also conveyed to the Chinese government that the road construction would represent a significant change of status quo with serious security implications for it.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was in Beijing last month to attend the BRICS NSAs meeting.

During the visit, Doval held bilateral meeting with State Councillor Yang Jiechi. Mr Dobal and Yang are also Special Representatives of the boundary talks between the two nations.

INDIA’S strong rebuttal comes after Chinese foreign ministry issued a document saying the number of Indian troops was 40 by end of July from 400 in June.