The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly rebuffed China’s objections regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on March 9.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MEA categorically dismissed China’s stance, asserting that objections to such visits or India’s developmental projects lack merit.
“We reject the comments made by the Chinese side regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other states of India. Objecting to such visits or India’s developmental projects does not stand to reason. Further, it will not change the reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” the MEA statement declared.
The MEA’s response followed statements by China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Monday, strongly opposing PM Modi’s visit to the Arunachal Pradesh.
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Wang Wenbin reiterated China’s position, highlighting that the Zangnan area, which includes Arunachal Pradesh, is Chinese territory.
Additionally, he reiterated China’s non-recognition of the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India”, asserting that the unresolved boundary issue does not authorize India to unilaterally develop the Zangnan area.
Furthermore, the MEA reiterated India’s unwavering position on the status of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting that it has always been, and will continue to be, an integral part of India.
The statement underscored that China’s objections do not alter the reality of Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an inseparable part of India, a position consistently conveyed to the Chinese side on numerous occasions.
PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on March 9 saw the launch of several key projects aimed at bolstering development in the Northeast, including the strategic Sela Tunnel project.
The tunnel, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet, serves as a vital link connecting Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
As tensions persist between India and China over territorial disputes, India remains resolute in asserting its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
