India, said that it is closely monitoring the construction of a bridge by China over Pangong Tso. Addressing a weekly press conference, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the bridge is being constructed in an area that has been under Chinese occupation for the past 60 years.

“Regarding reports of a bridge being made by China on Pangong Lake, GoI monitoring this closely. This bridge is being constructed in areas that have been under illegal occupation by China for around 60 years. The government is taking steps to ensure our security interests are protected,” MEA spokesperson said.

He further appealed that New Delhi hopes that instead of engaging in ‘such antics China will work constructively with us to resolve the outstanding friction points in areas along the Western Sector of the LAC in India-China border areas’.

Commenting on the incident of the Chinese embassy writing to Indian MPs on their participation at an event, the MEA said that Beijing should refrain from hyping the normal activities by Indian MPs and complicate further the situation in our bilateral relations. “The substance, tone and tenor of the letter are inappropriate. The Chinese side should note that India is a vibrant democracy and Indian MPs as representatives of people undertake activities as per their beliefs,” he further said.