Q.2511 Transportation of atomic material through Karakoram highway

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is aware of the fact that the Karakoram highway is being used clandestinely for transporting atomic material from China to Islamabad;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is a fact that China’s activities have increased in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the last few years;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether Government is aware of the number of Chinese soldiers deployed in Gilgit and Batalik region?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) & (b) Government is aware of China-Pakistan nuclear cooperation. India’s concerns in this regard have been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side. The Chinese side has conveyed that such cooperation in the field of nuclear energy is for civilian use, is consistent with their international obligations, is for peaceful purposes and is subject to IAEA safeguards and supervision.
(c) & (d) Government is aware that China is executing infrastructure projects in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Government has raised this issue with the Chinese side and has clearly conveyed India’s consistent position that Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of parts of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. Government has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and asked them to cease such activities.

(e) Government has seen media reports regarding presence of Chinese troops in Gilgit-Baltistan area. Both the Chinese and the Pakistan sides have denied these media reports. Government remains vigilant to all developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.
http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220118170.