New Delhi, 23 October (H.S.): The Congress on Friday highlighted a range of issues concerning India-China relations, including border security in Arunachal Pradesh, patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and India’s trade relationship with Beijing.

Addressing the media, Pawan Khera, chairman of the Congress’s Media and Publicity Department, referred to reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur regarding the situation along the border. Khera sought further information on developments in the region and the arrangements in place to safeguard India’s territorial interests.

Referring to the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, Khera raised questions about patrolling arrangements in eastern Ladakh and the status of access to traditional patrolling points. He also sought clarity on the progress made towards restoring the situation that prevailed before April 2020. These concerns formed part of the Congress’s broader assessment of India’s engagement with China.

Khera also drew attention to the economic dimension of bilateral relations, citing an increase in India’s trade deficit with China from approximately USD 99 billion to USD 112 billion. He highlighted issues relating to Chinese investments, visa regulations and India’s dependence on China for certain rare minerals, fertilisers and pharmaceutical raw materials.

The Congress leader further sought details about patrolling arrangements at locations in Arunachal Pradesh, including Shera-5, Asaphila, Maja and Taksing. He also referred to high-level engagements between the two countries and called for greater clarity on the outcomes of these discussions.

The remarks followed a reported statement by ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur at an event in Alwar on Thursday, during which he spoke about encounters between security personnel at several locations along the frontier. Kapur also highlighted the role and preparedness of the newly constituted Shaurya Commando teams.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar