In a resolute stance, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar declared Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, dismissing China’s recent move to rename 30 regions within the border state.

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Gujarat, Jaishankar emphasized that altering names does not alter sovereignty, stating, “If I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was an Indian state, is an Indian state, and will remain so in the future. Nothing will be gained by changing names.”

This statement follows China’s recently released list of 30 new names for various places in Arunachal Pradesh, under the guise of standardizing geographical nomenclature in Zangnan, the Chinese term for Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of southern Tibet.

The move sparked renewed tensions between the two nations over the disputed border region.

However, the Indian government’s response comes amidst escalating tensions along the border and underscores its firm stance on territorial integrity.

While China continues to assert its claims over Arunachal Pradesh, India remains steadfast in asserting its sovereignty over the strategically important region.

The release of the names by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has further exacerbated the longstanding territorial dispute between the two Asian giants.

Notably, India has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of its territory, a stance reiterated by Jaishankar’s recent remarks.