India Slams China’s Arunachal Name Change: ‘This Will Not Change the Truth’

A Defiant Stand Against China
India issued a stern rebuke to China’s latest attempt to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declaring, “This will not change the truth.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed China’s release of a new list of “standardized” names for 30 locations in the state as a “baseless” and “farcical” move. India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of its territory, underscoring its sovereignty amid escalating border tensions with China.

China’s Provocative Nomenclature Tactic
China’s renaming effort, the fourth since 2017, is seen as a deliberate provocation to assert territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing calls “Zangnan” or South Tibet. The latest list, published by China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, includes renamed villages, rivers, and mountains, aiming to challenge India’s control. This move follows similar attempts in 2017, 2021, and 2023, all met with India’s firm rejection. The MEA condemned the tactic as “senseless,” emphasizing that such actions cannot alter Arunachal’s status as a vibrant Indian state with elected representatives and a robust administrative framework.

India’s Robust Diplomatic Response

India’s sharp response reflects its unwavering stance on territorial integrity. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at a press conference, called China’s actions “ludicrous” and affirmed India’s readiness to counter such provocations. The MEA summoned a Chinese diplomat to lodge a formal protest, while posts on X showed widespread public support, with #ArunachalIsIndia trending. India has also bolstered military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal, signaling preparedness for any escalation.

Broader Implications for India-China Ties
The renaming row exacerbates strained India-China relations, already tense due to the 2020 Galwan clash and ongoing LAC disputes. India has urged China to respect bilateral agreements and cease provocative actions. As both nations navigate complex diplomatic and military standoffs, India’s firm rebuttal underscores its resolve to protect its sovereignty, with Arunachal Pradesh remaining a non-negotiable cornerstone of its national identity.