India Slams China Over ‘Fake Names’ Row
MEA warns Beijing’s moves undermine efforts to stabilise ties; reaffirms Arunachal as integral part
- India rejects China’s renaming of locations in its territory
- MEA calls move “mischievous” and baseless
- Warns actions could derail efforts to normalise ties
- Reasserts Arunachal Pradesh as integral part of India
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th April: India on Sunday strongly rejected China’s reported move to assign new names to locations within Indian territory, warning that such actions could harm ongoing efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.
Responding to the development, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the move “mischievous” and categorically rejected what he called attempts to create “baseless narratives.”
“India rejects any attempts by the Chinese side to assign fictitious names to places which form part of Indian territory,” he said.
Strong Assertion on Arunachal
The government reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India,” dismissing China’s claims as unfounded.
Officials emphasised that such renaming exercises cannot alter ground realities and are part of a pattern aimed at influencing perceptions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Warning on Bilateral Ties
The Ministry of External Affairs cautioned that such actions could negatively impact ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise and normalise relations between the two countries.
“China should refrain from actions that inject negativity into relations and undermine efforts to create better understanding,” Jaiswal said.
Background of Tensions
India and China have been engaged in talks to ease tensions along the LAC since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. However, analysts have pointed to continued friction, including infrastructure build-up and symbolic measures like renaming of locations.
India has consistently rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, including similar attempts in the past to rename places in the region.
The latest development signals continuing strains in ties, even as both sides attempt to maintain dialogue and avoid escalation.
