No one can take away India's land: Amit Shah amid border tension with China

New Delhi : Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the India is taking all military and diplomatic steps to de-escalate the border tension in Ladakh with China and the government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and security of the country.

Speaking to a news channel, Amit Shah said that Indian forces are ready to reply to any form of aggression. The comments from India's Home Minister comes days after Chinese President Xi Jinping asked troops of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be prepared for war amid ongoing tensions with India in eastern Ladakh.

"We are vigilant for every inch of our land, no one can take it away... Our defence forces and leadership are capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and border," he said in an interview with News18 Group. "Every nation is always ready (for war). That’s the purpose of maintaining armies — to respond to any form of aggression. I am not saying this in reference to any particular comments, but India’s defence forces are always ready," he said.

Meanwhile, he mentioned that the armed forces of both the countries are talking with each other to resolve the matter; however, diplomatic channels are also open.

The seventh round of talks between Indian and Chinese diplomats and military officials was held on October 13, which lasted more than 12 hours. 

Shah was also asked if India should change its policy towards Tibet and Taiwan in a tit-for-tat response to China’s claim on Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. “It’s not right to discuss this here. It’s a very complex issue with far-reaching implications. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and foreign minister S Jaishankar have cleared India’s position (on China) on Parliament’s floor. I think that’s enough. Talks with China are underway...” he said.