As Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday, said that after Pakistan, China is also creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a “mission”, reported PTI.

While speaking at a virtual event after inaugurating 44 bridges, he said that India not only faces the situations along the frontiers resolutely, but it is also bringing in major development in border areas. He said, “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 was speaking following the inauguration of the bridges built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, majority of which are expected to significantly improve movement of troops in areas along the border with China in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. 

According to Singh, in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic 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. 

Singh 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 defence minister, in his address, 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. According to him, 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.

Singh said, “There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19. Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transport is not available throughout the year. These roads are not only for strategic needs, but they also reflect equal participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation.”

He added, “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.”