In a recent development highlighting India’s unwavering stance on the territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a swipe at China, asserting that changing names would have no impact on the northeastern state’s status as an integral part of India.
Speaking at the Corporate Summit 2024 organized by the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position on Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized that altering names does not alter the ground reality, stating, “If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India.”
This statement comes in response to recent claims by China, which once again asserted its jurisdictional claims over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as “Zangnan,” a region it considers part of its territory. China’s Defence Ministry stated that it “never acknowledges and firmly opposes” the “so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established by India.”
India promptly rejected these claims, labeling them as “absurd” and “baseless.” The Ministry of External Affairs released an official statement affirming Arunachal Pradesh’s integral status within India and denouncing China’s assertions. The statement emphasized that the people of Arunachal Pradesh would continue to benefit from India’s development initiatives and infrastructure projects.
The ongoing dispute over Arunachal Pradesh reflects broader tensions between India and China regarding territorial claims and strategic interests in the region. India’s firm response underscores its commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and resisting external pressures.
Sources By Agencies