Hours after China expressed its displeasure over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Ministry of External Affairs asserted that the state of Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part” of India.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in response to a question on Modi’s visit said, “China’s position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut. The Chinese government has never recognised the so-called ‘Arunachal Pradesh’ and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader’s visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary.”

China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question,” she said in her reaction posted on the Chinese foreign ministry’s website.

Reacting sharply to China’s remarks, the government said, “Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions.”

Earlier in February last year, China had voiced its “firm opposition” to the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Arunachal Pradesh, saying that it would lodge a diplomatic protest with India.

China claims the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. India and China have so far held 21 rounds of talks to resolve the border dispute.

The Indo-Sino border dispute covers the 3,488km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China routinely objects to Indian leaders visiting Arunachal Pradesh to highlight its stand.

PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 4,000 crore and a dedicated Doordarshan channel named ‘DD Arun Prabha’ to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday.

Read | PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stones of projects worth Rs 4,000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh

Addressing a massive gathering of supporters on the occasion, the PM said that an additional Rs 13,000 crore worth of projects for the northeastern state are in the pipeline.

Making a pitch for his government ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the PM said that while the previous governments neglected the state for decades, the NDA government is trying to help in the development of North East.

He said his government was giving importance to improve the highway, railway, airway and power situation in Arunachal Pradesh, which was neglected by the previous governments.

(With PTI inputs)