India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has dismissed China’s recent cartographic move to include Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin within its territory on official maps. Labeling these claims as “absurd,” Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s strong stance on its territorial sovereignty and firmly rejected any attempt to alter the geographical realities of the region.
China’s action, which involves portraying the disputed areas as integral parts of its territory, has generated concern and reactions from India’s political and diplomatic circles. Arunachal Pradesh, in the northeastern part of India, and Aksai Chin, a region administered by China but claimed by India, have been subjects of territorial disputes between the two countries for decades.
Jaishankar, addressing the matter in a press conference, emphasized that such attempts to redraw borders unilaterally run counter to diplomatic norms and agreements reached between the two nations. He called upon China to respect these agreements and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the long-standing border issues.
The External Affairs Minister’s comments echo India’s consistent stance on territorial integrity and its preference for peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes. India and China have held several rounds of talks to find a mutually acceptable solution to the border issues and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The diplomatic tension caused by China’s map alteration comes amid broader discussions between the two countries aimed at maintaining stability along the border and promoting cooperation in various sectors. While the recent cartographic move raises concerns, officials on both sides recognize the importance of dialogue and engagement in addressing disagreements.
Jaishankar’s response reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and pursuing peaceful resolutions to conflicts. The bilateral relationship between India and China is complex, encompassing economic cooperation, geopolitical interactions, and efforts to manage border disputes.
As both countries navigate these challenges, the international community watches closely to see how diplomatic efforts evolve and whether the spirit of cooperation prevails over territorial disagreements. Jaishankar’s firm dismissal of China’s claims underscores India’s determination to protect its borders and uphold its principles of sovereignty and international law.
