Aishwarya Rathore –
Published On: October 14, 2021 at 19:57 IST
India strongly rejected China’s objection to a recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, claiming that the State is an “integral and inalienable” part of India.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi remarked that objecting to an Indian Minister’s visit to a State in India defies reason and the understanding of the Indian people.
Bagchi stated, “We have noted the comments made by the Chinese official spokesperson. We reject such comments. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India.”
Bagchi further clarified, “Indian leaders routinely travel to the State of Arunachal Pradesh as they do to any other State in India.”
Earlier, China objected to the visit of the Indian Minister to Arunachal Pradesh, claiming it to be part of South Tibet.
The latest verbal battle between the two sides came only three days after the 13th round of military talks on the 17-month standoff in eastern Ladakh.
Bagchi further stated, “We have mentioned earlier, the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas is the result of unilateral attempts of China to alter the status quo in violation of bilateral agreements.”
Lastly, Bagchi advised China to work toward an early resolution of the outstanding issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while completely adhering to bilateral agreements and norms.