'Arunachal Pradesh Is an Integral Part of India, Nothing Can Change This': India Responds to China

New Delhi: India on Monday strongly rejected China's latest claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the northeastern state "was, is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India."

Responding to media queries on Beijing's remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said China's repeated attempts to stake claims over Indian territory have no legal basis and do not change the established reality.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently conveyed its position to China on the matter and reiterated that the country's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is non-negotiable.

"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of repetitive or inventive claims can alter this undeniable fact," the spokesperson said.

The response came after China once again made assertions regarding Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing refers to as "Zangnan" and claims as part of southern Tibet. India has repeatedly dismissed such claims and has maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of its sovereign territory.

The border issue remains one of the key areas of disagreement between the two neighbours. While India and China continue diplomatic and military-level discussions to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), New Delhi has consistently opposed any attempt by Beijing to rename places or question India's territorial integrity.

In recent years, India has also stepped up infrastructure development in Arunachal Pradesh, including improvements in road connectivity, border infrastructure and strategic projects aimed at enhancing security and regional development.

The Centre has maintained that developmental activities in Arunachal Pradesh are carried out within Indian territory and are intended to improve the lives of residents and strengthen connectivity in the border state.

India and China have repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining peace along the border while continuing dialogue through established diplomatic and military mechanisms. However, New Delhi has remained firm that bilateral relations cannot return to normal unless peace and tranquillity are restored in border areas.

The latest exchange underscores the continuing differences between the two countries over boundary-related issues, even as diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing continues.