India refutes China's attempt to rename Arunachal Pradesh's locations

India has firmly rejected China’s latest attempt to rename several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, calling the move “preposterous” and dismissing it as a futile political maneuver that does not change the ground reality. The statement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following Beijing’s release of a fresh list of Chinese names for sites in the Indian state.

“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, reiterating India’s consistent stance. “Such actions will not change the undeniable reality that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India,” he added.

The latest renaming episode is not the first. Since 2017, China has released four separate lists, renaming Indian locations under its claim that parts of Arunachal Pradesh belong to southern Tibet. The first list contained six names, followed by 15 in 2021, 11 in 2023, and the latest 30 names in April 2024.

Each time, India has categorically rejected the move. New Delhi has consistently asserted that such symbolic gestures do not impact India’s sovereignty or administrative control over the region. The tensions over Arunachal Pradesh have long been a sensitive flashpoint between the two nations, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India has frequently raised concerns about China’s activities in the region, including infrastructure development, military presence, and now, the systematic attempt at renaming geographical locations.

Diplomatic experts view Beijing’s recurring attempts as part of a larger narrative-building strategy aimed at asserting territorial claims without triggering direct conflict. However, India has remained steadfast in rejecting such tactics and has continued to develop Arunachal Pradesh through infrastructure projects, including new roads, tunnels, and air connectivity.

The Indian government has urged China to respect mutual agreements and focus on restoring peace and stability along the border, rather than indulging in activities that provoke or mislead.