Defence minister Rajnath Singh (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: No force in the world can grab Indian territory, asserted defence minister Rajnath Singh while addressing troops on Friday at the west bank of Pangong Tso, around 40 km from where Indian and Chinese militaries are in a prolonged stand-off in eastern Ladakh.
In comments during a visit that included a tour of forward areas in Ladakh where he witnessed combat drills with the latest weapon systems and platforms inducted by the armed forces, Rajnath said, “Talks are under way (with China) to resolve the border dispute…it should be resolved. But to what extent it can be resolved, I cannot guarantee. But let me assure you that no power in the world can either touch or capture even one inch of Indian territory.”
His remarks came at the inland lake, the north bank of which is the site of Chinese intrusions in the mountainous spurs— Fingers 4 to 8. These have become a particularly contentious issue between Indian and