In response to China’s latest move to release a list of 30 geographical areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma suggests Bharat should adopt a “tit-for-tat” approach. He proposes renaming 60 areas in the Tibetan region of China, doubling China’s count. Sarma emphasizes that while it’s a policy decision for the Bharatiya government, such reciprocal actions should be considered.
China’s recent release marks the fourth list of standardized geographical names in Arunachal Pradesh since 2017. Bharat firmly rejects these attempts, asserting Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirms Bharat’s stance, stating that assigning fabricated names does not change Arunachal Pradesh’s status.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar questions the legitimacy of China’s actions, drawing an analogy: “If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine?” Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticize the government’s response, urging a stronger stance against China’s territorial assertions. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram criticizes the government’s focus on other issues like the Katchatheevu island dispute with Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need to confront China’s provocations.
Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney highlights Bharat’s defensive approach, suggesting it emboldens China’s actions. He criticizes Bharat’s reactive stance, urging a proactive strategy to counter China’s moves. Chellaney emphasizes the need for Bharat to shed its victim mentality and actively defend its interests against China’s assertiveness.
In summary, Bharat weighs a potential tit-for-tat response to China’s geographical naming in Arunachal Pradesh. While reaffirming its sovereignty over the region, Bharat faces calls for a more assertive approach in countering China’s territorial claims. The ongoing tension underscores the complex dynamics between the two neighboring nations.
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