India and China clash over the disputed Arunachal Pradesh territory
Shares
NEW DELHI - India on Friday reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country, adding that India's position has always been clear and consistent.
The statement comes in the wake of China's firm opposition to Union Home Minister Amit Shah`s visit to Arunachal Pradesh on its statehood day on February 20 and warned India against "complicating" the border issue.
Arunachal Pradesh became a full state from a Union Territory, 34 years ago on February 20.
The region was part of British India in 1913-14 and formally included when the McMahon Line was established as the border between India and Tibet in 1938. Disputing India`s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, China`s Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had told the media in Beijing that "The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called `Arunachal Pradesh and 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 Arunachal Pradesh is clear and consistent. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India."
He added, "Indian leaders routinely travel to the state of Arunachal Pradesh as they do to any other states of India.
Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not stand to reason and understanding of the Indian people."
Speaking on the trade deal with the US, Kumar said, "We have been engaging with the United States on trade talks for some time.
We hope to reach an understanding with an outcome that strikes the right balance for both sides.
We do not want to rush into a deal as the issues involved are complicated with many decisions potentially having a real impact on people’s lives and long-term economic consequences. We do not want to create artificial deadlines."
