In a significant development, the United States officially recognized Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory on Wednesday and strongly condemned any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Speaking in Washington D.C. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel made the announcement during his daily press briefing, affirming the U.S.’s stance on the territorial dispute. Patel stated, “The United States recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.”
This statement comes in the wake of renewed tensions between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh. Just days ago, the Chinese military reiterated its claim over the state following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson referred to the southern part of Xizang (Tibet) as an integral part of China’s territory and denounced Arunachal Pradesh as “illegally established by India.”
China has long asserted its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as South Tibet, and routinely objects to visits by Indian leaders to the region. Despite China’s objections, Prime Minister Modi recently inaugurated the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing connectivity to strategically important areas such as Tawang.
India, on its part, has repeatedly rejected China’s claims, asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded to China’s recent statements by reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is and will always be” an integral and inalienable part of India.
Addressing the recent Chinese statement on Arunachal Pradesh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to defending India’s borders. Shah stated, “Under the Modi government, no one can dare to even take an inch of land at any Indian border. This is our promise to the people of Bharat.”
