New Delhi: The Indian government on Monday said the presence of Chinese army troops in Pakistan-administered Kashmir would be a matter of "serious concern" if these media reports were proved to be authentic.
"If true, it would be a matter of serious concern and we would do all that is necessary to ensure safety and security of the nation," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said.
The New York Times had carried a report on August 26 that there were around 7,000-11,000 soldiers of People's Liberation Army in Gilgit-Baltistan, who were building rail and road access through this region.
"When high-speed rail and road links through Gilgit and Baltistan are completed, China will be able to transport cargo from Eastern China to the new Chinese-built Pakistani naval bases at Gwadar, Pasni and Ormara, just east of the (Persian) Gulf, within 48 hours," said the report.
Prakash said, "We have seen media reports and are seeking an independent verification of these reports".
India had previously raised objections to China building infrastructure projects in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, pointing out that the territory was a matter of dispute between the two South Asian neighbours.
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