UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 495
TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.7.2003
SHRI SANJAY NIRUPAM :
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether India has changed its stand that the Autonomous Region of Tibet is now recognised as a part of People's Republic of China;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) if not, what stand was taken by India during the Prime Minister's recent visit to China?
ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI VINOD KHANNA)
(a): There is no change in India's position on Tibet.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): In the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation signed by the two Prime Ministers on June 23, 2003, it is stated that "the Indian side recognizes that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of the territory of the People's Republic
of China”.