No new development at Doklam, clarifies India

There is no new development at Dokalam and its vicinity, India said Friday stating that reports to the contrary were incorrect.

"I would like to reiterate that there is no new development at the face-off and its vicinity since the August 28 disengagement," MEA spokesperson said when asked about a media report about China ramping up its military presence in areas close to Doklam.

He said that it is important to have an accurate understanding of the situation and not to paint an alarmist picture while addressing the weekly press briefing.

The MEA spokesperson said, "The status quo prevails in the area and any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect and mischievous."

About further discussion on the connectivity with China through One Road One Belt (OBOR),  he said that there has been no change in India's stand on the issue.

He said, "we have articulated out stand on OBOR several times from this forum and there is no change in the stand. We are for connectivity but connectivity which is open, free and equitable. Similarly, our stand on Kashmir is also very well known."

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped China from building a road in the disputed area by the Army of China.

Bhutan and China have a dispute over Dokalam.

The external affairs ministry had announced on August 28 that both sides were disengaging from the face-off site.