'BSF report on Chinese troops presence in Pak forward areas'

The Border Security Force has submitted a preliminary report on presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan's forward defence locations for imparting training of weapons handling, Lok Sabha was told on Tuesday.

However, this information was not confirmed or corroborated by any intelligence agency, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in reply to a written question.

The minister said China and Pakistan have stated that their bilateral defence cooperation is an important component of their strategic cooperation. China has long been providing Pakistan with military assistance and equipment.

"Chinese persons have been visiting Pakistan for conducting acceptance tests on the military equipment supplied by them and subsequently training Pakistani soldiers on the same. Both countries regularly hold joint exercises between their Armies, Navies and Air Forces," he said.

Rijiju said government has clearly conveyed India's consistent position that Pakistan is in illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947 and has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

He said China has conveyed that it regards Kashmir as a bilateral matter to be settled between India and Pakistan.

“Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it,” he said.