The Congress party and several defence commentators had criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for claiming at Friday's all-party meeting that there has been no intrusion into Indian territory.
The all-party meeting had been called in the wake of the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh that left at least 20 Indian personnel dead.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister's Office issued a statement that claimed attempts were being made to give a "mischievous interpretation" to the remarks by Modi at the all-party meeting.
The statement noted the prime minister was "clear India would respond firmly to any attempts to transgress the LAC". "In fact he specifically emphasised that in contrast to past neglect of such challenges, Indian forces now decisively counter any violations of LAC," the PMO statement said.
Referring to Modi's remarks that there was no "Chinese presence on our side of the LAC", the PMO said that the comment "pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces".
The PMO noted, "What is Indian territory is clear from the map of India. This government is strongly and resolutely committed to that..." The statement declared that over 43,000 sq. km "had been yielded under circumstances with which this country is well aware", in an apparent jibe at previous governments over the loss of territory to China.
The statement noted, "It is unfortunate that unnecessary controversy over PM's remarks is being created at a time when brave soldiers are defending our borders.”
