India strongly rejects China’s objection to Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu’s Arunachal visit 

“We have noted the comments made today by the Chinese official spokesperson. We reject such comments. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India,” Bagchi said.

He was responding to a question on comments by a spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry objecting to Naidu’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh over the weekend.

“Indian leaders routinely travel to the state of Arunachal Pradesh as they do to any other state of India. Objecting to the visit of Indian leaders to a state of India does not stand to reason and understanding of Indian people,” Bagchi said.

Vice President being accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival in Arunachal Pradesh today.

He was received by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Brig (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd.), Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu, Speaker, Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona & others at Itanagar Helipad. pic.twitter.com/O1y1MvB4Yi

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 8, 2021

China has been objecting to visits of Indian leaders to Arunachal Pradesh, saying it is a part of South Tibet.

The fresh war of words between the two sides came three days after the 13th round of military talks on the 17-month eastern Ladakh standoff ended in a stalemate.

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu addressing the Arunachal Assembly. (Twitter/VPSecretariat)

“Further, as we have mentioned earlier, the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas has been caused by unilateral attempts of the Chinese side to alter the status quo in violation of the bilateral agreements,” Bagchi said.

The government often refers to eastern Ladakh as Western Sector.

“Therefore, we expect the Chinese side to work towards early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh while fully abiding by bilateral agreements and protocols rather than trying to link unrelated issues,” Bagchi said.

“Peace is the prerequisite for progress. I am happy that North East is moving towards peace”- Vice President in #Arunachal Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/HxNtKqszeU

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) October 9, 2021

A day after the 13th round of military talks, Indian Army said the “constructive suggestions” made by it were neither agreeable to the Chinese side nor it could provide any “forward-looking” proposals.

On its part, the Chinese PLA’s Western Theatre Command said India insisted on “unreasonable and unrealistic demands, adding difficulties to the negotiations.”