China’s recent move to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh has drawn sharp criticism from India, with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar calling it “ludicrous” and the Ministry of External Affairs labeling it as “senseless.” The renaming is viewed as an attempt by China to provoke India and instigate opposition ahead of the 2024 elections.
The decision to rename places comes amidst escalating tensions between the two countries, with China protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh and now giving Mandarin names to 30 places in the region. This move is seen as a challenge to India’s sovereignty over the territory.
Analysts suggest that China’s aggressive actions in the region are driven by President Xi Jinping’s desire to assert China’s dominance and unify the country. However, India has made it clear that it will not tolerate any attempts to challenge its territorial integrity.
The Modi government has taken steps to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, which has irked China. Additionally, India has signaled that it will not hesitate to respond to Chinese provocations, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Modi’s firm stance during President Xi’s visit in 2014.
India’s response to China’s actions is expected to be measured but firm. The government may explore options such as highlighting the historical influence of Indian civilization in Tibet and strengthening military capabilities in the region. President Xi should recognize that India is not the same as it was in 1962, and Prime Minister Modi is determined to protect the country’s interests.
