NEW DELHI: India has firmly dismissed China’s objections over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on March 9, stating that Beijing’s concerns “do not stand to reason.” In a strong response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday issued a statement rejecting China’s remarks and reaffirming India’s stance on the matter.u
“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,” the MEA’s statement read.
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China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, addressing PM Modi’s visit, expressed, “China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the Indian leader’s visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary. We have made solemn representations to India.”
Furthermore, the MEA has also emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will remain an integral part of India and that China has been repeatedly made aware of this position. PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh included the inauguration of various developmental projects, including the strategic Sela Tunnel, aimed at enhancing connectivity to the region.
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The Sela Tunnel, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet, is a significant infrastructural endeavour connecting Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It is expected to facilitate all-weather connectivity to Tawang, strategically located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), thus enabling better troop movement along the frontier.
China’s objections notwithstanding, India remains resolute in its commitment to the development and sovereignty of Arunachal Pradesh.