NEW DELHI: India's external affairs ministry said on Friday that it was closely monitoring China's efforts to develop its infrastructure along the border areas with India. The ministry said it was maintaining its watchful eye on the development as it could have national security implications. External Affairs Minister E. Ahamed said that the “government is aware that China is building infrastructure in border areas opposite India in Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions,” Press Trust of India reported. “These infrastructure projects include the Qinghai-Tibet railway line with a proposed extension up to Xigaze and Nyingchi, and development of road and airport facilities,” Ahamed told the Upper House of parliament on Thursday. He talked on the steps that can be taken in the situation to ensure India's security is safe. “The government is giving careful and special attention to this development to meet our strategic and security requirements and also to facilitate the economic development of those areas. “The government is taking all necessary measures to safeguard security,” he added. It comes as a land agreement inked with Bangladesh aims to ensure border integrity for India in their northeastern region. The ministry said the new protocol with Bangladesh established finality on a number of border issues related to un-marked boundaries and territories.
