External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that both Indian and Chinese soldiers should withdraw from the Doklam region in the tri-junction with Bhutan.
The Minister said Panchsheel, the Nehruvian principle of peaceful mutual co-existence, was on track but any unilateral altering of the border by China would amount to a “direct threat” to India’s security concerns.
“This time they brought bulldozers, and earth excavators [to build a road] and their intention is to reach the tri-junction of India-China-Bhutan. If China alters the status quo of the tri-junction unilaterally, then it becomes a direct challenge to our security. China wants us to withdraw our soldiers. [But], what [do] we want? If there is to be sit-down talks, then both countries should withdraw their soldiers,” said Ms. Swaraj.
This is the most detailed statement from the government on the standoff on the Doklam plateau, which constitutes the triangular area where borders of India, Bhutan and China meet.
Ms. Swaraj also indicated that dialogue with other countries was held on this issue and India received support for its position.
