US Recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory

By siliconindia  |  Thursday, 21 March 2024, 09:50:00 AM IST

US Recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian Territory
Amid renewed tensions over territorial claims, the United States has reaffirmed its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and strongly denounced any unilateral actions by China to assert its claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). A senior Biden administration official made this statement in response to recent remarks by the Chinese military asserting its sovereignty over the region following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang reiterated Beijing's stance, emphasizing that the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) is an integral part of China's territory, and rejecting India's claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
Prime Minister Modi's recent dedication of the Sela Tunnel, built at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, has further escalated tensions. The tunnel aims to provide all-weather connectivity to strategically important Tawang and enhance troop movement along the frontier region.
Speaking at a daily press briefing, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel underscored the US position, stating, "The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control".
India has consistently rejected China's territorial assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting its integral part of the country. New Delhi has also dismissed Beijing's attempts to assign 'invented' names to the region, emphasizing that such actions do not alter the ground reality.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded to the latest remarks by the Chinese Defence Ministry, labeling them as 'absurd claims' and reiterating Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral and inalienable part of India.
This latest exchange underscores the ongoing tensions between India and China over territorial disputes, with the United States siding with India and reinforcing its stance on Arunachal Pradesh's sovereignty.

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