India has strongly protested China’s decision to establish two new counties in the disputed Xinjiang region, which is home to a significant number of ethnic Uighur Muslims. The move has drawn criticism from India, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressing grave concern over the developments. India’s stance on the issue stems from its long-standing position regarding territorial integrity and its objection to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in regions that are part of other countries’ sovereign territories.

The Chinese government recently announced the creation of the two new counties in Xinjiang, which lies in the far west of China, an area that has long been a source of tension, both within China and internationally. The Xinjiang region is not only a point of contention with respect to human rights abuses, particularly against the Uighur Muslim population, but it also holds strategic significance for neighboring countries, including India.

In its official statement, the Indian government reiterated that it does not recognize any unilateral actions that alter the status of disputed territories. India has consistently raised concerns about China’s policies in Xinjiang, particularly regarding its treatment of ethnic minorities, which have been the subject of global scrutiny. The creation of new counties in Xinjiang is seen as an extension of China’s controversial practices in the region, which have included the suppression of Uighur culture and religion, as well as allegations of mass internment in so-called “reeducation camps.”

This latest move by China comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China over border disputes, particularly in the eastern Ladakh region. India’s response underscores its commitment to protecting its own territorial integrity and its opposition to any actions that could destabilize the region further.