The United States has reaffirmed its recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and has expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts by China to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control. This statement from State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel follows recent Chinese claims over the northeastern state, made after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and launch of development projects there.
In response to the Chinese defense ministry’s assertion that Arunachal Pradesh is “Zangnan,” an inherent part of China’s territory, Patel reiterated the U.S. position during a press briefing. He 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.”
India has consistently rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining that it is an integral part of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the people of Arunachal Pradesh will continue to benefit from India’s development programs and infrastructure projects.
“We have noted the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Chinese Defence Ministry advancing absurd claims over the territory of the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity,” said the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal. “Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programmes and infrastructure projects,” the statement added.