India to China: India has once again strongly rejected China’s attempts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, firmly reiterating that the northeastern state is and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. The statement follows China’s release of a new list of renamed places in the region, which it refers to as “Zangnan” (southern Tibet).
India’s Strong Diplomatic Response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a clear and decisive statement in response to China’s renaming exercise.
“We have noticed that China has persisted with its vain and preposterous attempts to name places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
“Consistent with our principled position, we reject such attempts categorically. Creative naming will not alter the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”
India has maintained this position consistently in response to similar moves by China in recent years.
China’s Renaming Strategy: What It Means
China has a history of releasing maps and lists that rename towns, villages, and geographical features within Arunachal Pradesh. In 2024, China issued a list containing 30 renamed locations in the state—a move India immediately dismissed.
This renaming is part of China’s broader strategy to assert its claims over the region. However, these symbolic gestures have no legal or political standing under international law, and India has repeatedly condemned them.
Background of the India-China Dispute Over Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh shares a border with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and has long been a point of friction between the two countries. China claims the state as part of historical Tibet, but India has governed Arunachal Pradesh since independence in 1947.
The territorial dispute has led to frequent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including military standoffs in recent years. India continues to develop infrastructure in the region and strengthen border security to counter any aggressive actions.
Water Security Concerns Add to Tensions
In addition to land disputes, water security has become a growing concern. China is constructing a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet’s Medog County, close to the Indian border. This river enters India as the Siang and later becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Indian authorities fear that the dam could be used to manipulate water flow, potentially causing floods or affecting water availability downstream.
Local Leaders Warn of “Water Bomb” Threat
Tapir Gao, Member of Parliament and BJP’s Arunachal Pradesh unit chief, recently raised serious concerns about the Chinese project.
“China has already decided to construct a dam with a capacity of 60,000 MW. This is not going to be a dam but a water bomb to be used against India and other downstream countries,” Gao said.
He also recalled the devastating floods of June 2000, which he attributed to a sudden water release from upstream. The floods destroyed more than ten bridges in Arunachal Pradesh and caused widespread damage.
Call for a Counter-Dam in Arunachal Pradesh
In response to the Chinese dam, Tapir Gao has called for the construction of a counterbalancing dam within Arunachal Pradesh. The goal is to better manage disaster risks and ensure water security for the region and downstream states like Assam, as well as neighboring countries such as Bangladesh.
Conclusion
India’s clear rejection of China’s renaming efforts reaffirms its unwavering stance on Arunachal Pradesh’s sovereignty. As territorial and water-related tensions continue, India remains committed to defending its national interests and ensuring regional stability.
Maintaining diplomatic clarity, developing border infrastructure, and addressing strategic concerns such as water security will be key to managing the evolving India-China relationship.
