India closely watching China’s border infrastructure
April 21st, 2010 - 6:37 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, April 21 (IANS) The central government Wednesday said it was keeping a close watch on China’s military modernisation and infrastructure development programmes in the border regions in Tibet and has taken measures to safeguard its security.
“The government pays close attention to China’s military modernisation programme, including the development of rail, road and airport facilities in the border regions opposite India in Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Border Regions,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told the Lok Sabha in response to a question.
“Since 1993, the two governments have agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas,” Krishna said, while stressing that the two sides are committed to this goal.
“The government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it,” Krishna said.
China bas built a sophisticated network of roads, rail and air links along the border areas that could help it to mobilise a large number of troops for offensive operations in a short time.
China now has a 40,000-km road network in Tibet, besides the 1,118-km rail link between Lhasa and Gormo in Qinghai province of mainland China.
Sensing a potential security threat, the Indian government has decided to scale up the border infrastructure. Early this month, the National Security Council discussed steps to upgrade infrastructure along the 4,056-km LAC with China.
- India closely watching China's border infrastructure: Krishna (Lead) - Apr 21, 2010
- China has built 58,000 km roads, five airfields in Tibet: Antony - Mar 07, 2011
- India's border projects progressing unhindered: Antony - Nov 28, 2011
- India keeping close watch on China's border activities - Dec 01, 2011
- India protested Chinese troops damaging wall in Tawang: Antony - Dec 21, 2011
- Weather, clearances delay 61 roads along China border - Dec 09, 2009
- Dhumal warns of Chinese threat after air intrusion (Lead) - Mar 22, 2012
- India plans 558 roads along China, Pakistan border - Mar 28, 2011
- India admits to unpleasant 'situations' along China border - Nov 30, 2011
- India quietly activates airstrip near Chinese border - Apr 27, 2011
- Make roads first, rail tracks later: Arunachal residents - Aug 10, 2011
- Indian Army reviews operational preparedness along Ladakh border - Oct 03, 2011
- Two self-immolations in Tibet - Mar 05, 2012
- China begins extension of Tibet railway - Sep 27, 2010
- Antony to review northeast security, defence preparedness - Feb 17, 2011
Tags: actual control, border areas, border infrastructure, border regions, close watch, external affairs minister, india china, indian government, infrastructure development, lhasa, Lok Sabha, mainland china, military modernisation, modernisation programme, national security council, necessary measures, offensive operations, security threat, sophisticated network, time china