New Delhi: India on Thursday snubbed China and rejected its objections to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country.
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and Indian leaders have that much freedom to visit Arunachal as they have in visiting other states in the country,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
The Centre also snubbed Beijing’s reported statement that India seems to be “wavering” on its position regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), categorically asserting that the “CPEC violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
India also made it clear that for talks with Pakistan to go ahead, there has to be a conducive environment and atmosphere free of terror and free of terrorists receiving support from Islamabad.
To a question on the next round of talks between Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary question, the MEA said both sides are in touch with each other.
“We do not have any confirmed dates for talks as yet. The two sides are in touch. Once we have some dates for it, we will let you know,” he said.
India’s position is principled: MEA
On Monday, China had objected to Ms Sitharaman’s first visit to Arunachal on Saturday and Sunday, saying her tour of the “disputed area” was not conducive to peace in the region.
China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet and routinely objects to top Indian dignitaries’ visits to the area.
Asked about China’s comment on Wednesday that India’s stand on the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is wavering, the MEA said New Delhi’s position on the issue is “very clear” and “principled”.
India has objected to the CPEC as it is being laid through Pakistan occupied India and boycotted the One Belt One Road organised by China in May.
