India Flatly Rejects Move after China Assigns Fictitious Names to Places in Arunachal Pradesh

New Delhi: India has categorically rejected China's move to rename certain places in Arunachal Pradesh. New Delhi stated that such claims—and attempts to fabricate baseless narratives—cannot alter the irrefutable reality that these places constitute an integral part of Indian territory. It added that China should refrain from actions that introduce negativity into bilateral relations and undermine efforts to foster mutual understanding.

New Delhi's response came in the wake of Beijing's announcement of Chinese names for several locations within Arunachal Pradesh. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India categorically rejects any mischievous attempt by China to assign invented names to places falling within Indian territory."

Why Did India Flatly Reject China's Claim?

Randhir Jaiswal asserted, "Such attempts by China to advance false claims and fabricate baseless narratives cannot alter the indisputable reality that these places and regions—including Arunachal Pradesh—were, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India." Jaiswal further noted that these actions by the Chinese side serve to divert attention from ongoing efforts to stabilize and normalize India-China bilateral relations.

China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as "Zangnan" (or Southern Tibet) and asserting it as its own territory. It rejects the 1914 Simla Accord and the McMahon Line, characterizing them as a British imperialist conspiracy; according to China, Tibet was not an independent entity at the time, rendering the demarcation line illegitimate. China repeatedly issues Chinese names for locations within this region, asserting it to be its own ancient Tibetan territory. The 1914 McMahon Line is historically valid, having been mutually agreed upon between British India and Tibet, and was subsequently adopted by independent India as its international boundary. India has exercised continuous administrative control over the region for decades; the local populace consists of Indian citizens who hold and utilize Indian passports.

What did Ministry of External Affairs say?

"India categorically rejects any mischievous attempts by the Chinese side to assign fictitious names to places which form part of the territory of India. Such attempts by China at introducing false claims and manufacturing baseless narratives cannot alter the undeniable reality that these places and territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, were, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

 "These actions by the Chinese side detract from ongoing efforts to stabilize and normalize India-China bilateral ties. China should refrain from actions which inject negativity into relations and undermine efforts to create better understanding," he added.