India refutes China’s objection to PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu in Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar

New Delhi:

India today strongly refuted China’s objection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh and claimed that the state “has been, is and will always be an integral part of India”.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jaiswal refuted China’s complaints and said that China has stated this “consistent position” many times.

“There is no justification for opposing an Indian leader’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh or Indian development projects in the state,” he said.

“We reject China’s remarks on the Prime Minister’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

China said on Monday it had lodged a complaint with India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh last week and reiterated its claim to the region, saying India’s move “will only complicate unresolved border issues”.

Jaiswal said China’s opposition to such visits would not change the reality that Arunachal Pradesh “has been, is and will always be an integral part of India.”

“Just like visiting other states in India, Indian leaders also visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time. There is no justification for opposing such visits or development projects in India,” he said.

“Moreover, this does not change the reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral part of India,” Jaiswal said.

“China has stated this consistent position many times.” He added.

Mr Jaiswal was responding to media queries on China’s objection to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

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