NEW DELHI – India on Friday reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is anintegral and inalienable part of the country, adding that India’s positionhas always been clear and consistent.
The statement comes in the wake of China’s firm opposition to Union HomeMinister Amit Shah`s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on its statehood day onFebruary 20 and warned India against “complicating” the border issue.
Arunachal Pradesh became a full state from a Union Territory, 34 years agoon February 20.
The region was part of British India in 1913-14 and formally included whenthe McMahon Line was established as the border between India and Tibet in1938. Disputing India`s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, China`s ForeignMinistry spokesman Geng Shuang had told the media in Beijing that “TheChinese government has never recognised the so-called `Arunachal Pradeshand is firmly opposed to Shah`s visit.
Addressing a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Friday said, “Our position on ArunachalPradesh is clear and consistent. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral andinalienable part of India.”
He added, “Indian leaders routinely travel to the state of ArunachalPradesh as they do to any other states of India.
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Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not standto reason and understanding of the Indian people.”
Speaking on the trade deal with the US, Kumar said, “We have been engagingwith the United States on trade talks for some time.
We hope to reach an understanding with an outcome that strikes the rightbalance for both sides.
We do not want to rush into a deal as the issues involved are complicatedwith many decisions potentially having a real impact on people’s lives andlong-term economic consequences. We do not want to create artificialdeadlines.”
