Team Blitz India
SURAT: In the face of China’s contentious claims regarding Arunachal Pradesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posed a pointed question: ‘If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine?’ With unwavering clarity, Jaishankar underscored the indisputable truth: Arunachal Pradesh is, has always been, and will forever remain an integral part of India, regardless of any linguistic manipulations attempted.
During a programme here, Jaishankar reaffirmed, “Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be an integral part of India. Altering its name won’t alter its essence.” The 2024 Corporate Summit was co-hosted by the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Emphasising India’s steadfast dedication to defending its borders, he stated, “Our courageous soldiers remain steadfast at the Line of Actual Control…”
The latest provocation from China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs came through an announcement on March 30, proclaiming the “standardisation” of names for 30 locations in what it terms “southern Tibet”.
The move follows a series of similar attempts by China since 2017, with successive lists attempting to legitimise its dubious claims over the region.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India’s steadfast dedication to the advancement and prosperity of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Describing China’s assertions as “ridiculous” and “unfounded,” India stood firm on its position, emphasising Arunachal Pradesh’s status as an “integral and inalienable part of India.”
In response to the declarations by the Chinese Defence Ministry, which laid claim to Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangan,” contending it to be an inherent part of China’s territory, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson of MEA, remarked, “We have duly noted the remarks made by the spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry, propagating baseless claims concerning the territory of Arunachal Pradesh. Repetition of such erroneous arguments does not confer them any legitimacy.”
