After Pakistan, China too is creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a 'mission', Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday, in a direct criticism of the two countries together for creating tensions along India's northern and western frontiers spanning around 7,000 km.
The defence minister, after inaugurating 44 bridges at an online event, also said that the situation along borders with both the countries remains tense.
While the Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter border row for over five months in eastern Ladakh, the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan has also been volatile with Pakistani forces relentlessly trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.
"You are well aware of the conditions created along our northern and eastern borders. First it was Pakistan, and now also by China, as if a border dispute is being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000 km with these countries where the tension continues," Singh said.
There have been apprehensions in the defence establishment about possible collusion between China and Pakistan to mount pressure on India through their activities along the borders.
The defence minister was speaking after inaugurating the bridges built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
A majority of these bridges are expected to significantly improve movement of troops in areas along the border with China in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors, officials said.
Both India and China have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border standoff.
However, no breakthrough has been achieved to defuse the situation.
Singh said in the challenging times of COVID-19 and despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country was not only resolutely facing them but also bringing about historical changes in all sectors of development.
The defence minister also laid the foundation stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. This 450 metre-long tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity across Nechiphu pass.
The bridges inaugurated by Singh included 10 in Jammu and Kashmir, eight in Ladakh, two in Himachal Pradesh, eight each in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh and four each in Punjab and Sikkim.
In his address, Singh complimented the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their achievements in improving infrastructure in border areas and said that dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record.
He said the annual budget of BRO that varied from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 4,600 crore in years between 2008 and 2016, saw a substantial rise and is pegged at over Rs 11,000 crore in 2020-21.
"There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19," he said.
Singh said construction of the bridges will benefit both the civilian population as well as the military in the areas.
"Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transport is not available throughout the year," he said, noting improvement in border infrastructure will significantly help armed forces.
"These roads are not only for strategic needs, but they also reflect equal participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation," Singh said.
The defence minister also praised BRO for working tirelessly even during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown period.
The defence ministry said despite unprecedented snowfall breaking a 60-year record, all strategic passes and roads were cleared for traffic about one month before their average yearly opening dates.
"I am happy to know that over 2,200 kilometers of roads have been cut by the BRO during the last two years, using the latest technologies, and state-of-the-art equipment. Also, surfacing was carried out on about 4200 kms of roads," he added.
Amid the border standoff with China, India is expediting work on several key projects including on a strategic road linking Darcha in Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh that will criss-cross a number of high-altitude snow-bound passes.
The nearly 290-km-long road will be crucial for the movement of troops and heavy weaponry into the frontier bases of the Ladakh region and will provide a crucial link to the Kargil region.
