It seems that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh has rattled China in a big way. The immature reaction by Beijing over PM Modi’s visit to the state of Arunachal Pradesh is suggestive of its nervousness. China was particularly disturbed by PM Modi’s visit because he has laid the foundation of projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore in the strategically located state. Speaking at a function at IG Park, PM Modi said, that the government was giving a lot of importance towards improving highway, railway, airway and power situation in Arunachal Pradesh. It is clear that India is improving connectivity to the sensitive border state in a big way and China is unable to fathom this fact.
Speaking about the developmental projects that have been launched in the state, PM Modi said, “In the past 55 months, I have paid several visits to Arunachal Pradesh and today inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.” He also said that work is also in progress for projects worth Rs 13,000 crore in the state. During his visit, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield airport at Hollongi and also inaugurated the upgraded airport at Tezu in Lohit district. It has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 125 crore. This airport is crucial for the state of Arunachal Pradesh as it will connect Guwahati, Jorhat and Hollongi.
It is clear that India understands the geopolitical importance of Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore, the Modi government is stressing upon quick development in the region. The kind of investment which is being made in the region is absolutely unprecedented. The focus of the government is to ensure that connectivity to the region is improved in a big way. The incumbent government is doing everything to ensure easy access to the border state given the kind of challenge that India faces on the Sino-India border. Improved connectivity will ensure that India is able to mobilise its men and resources in case of a confrontation with China. This is why China seems worried.
In a statement on the Chinese foreign ministry website, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, “China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question.” He added, “the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary”. He also said, “China’s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut.”
However, India did not take this immature and awkward reaction by China for granted. India hit back at China and responded in a befitting manner. India strongly reiterated the position that the “state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India”. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar said, “Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions.”
India has made it clear that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral, inseparable part of India and India is not going to budge due to the immature and uneducated remarks made by Beijing. India is firm in its approach to carry out swift development in Arunachal Pradesh for the welfare of the people of the region and also with a view to securing India’s borders with China.