India warns China: Arunachal border situation will impact bilateral ties
India has warned China that the situation along the disputed border will have a direct bearing on the broader relationship between the two countries, amid reports of an alleged Chinese incursion in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is essential for the overall development of India-China relations.
MEA issues warning amid incursion reports
Responding to questions about reports that Chinese troops had crossed the LAC near Pukar La and Ollo in the Taksing circle, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India considers developments along the border a matter of the "utmost importance".
"We have also stated that the state of the border affairs will reflect on the state of our larger bilateral ties," Jaiswal said.
Recent reports, citing local residents, had claimed that Chinese troops entered areas near Pukar La and Ollo in Upper Subansiri.
However, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had last week dismissed the reports, saying he did not believe any such incursion was taking place.
Khandu said he would speak with the Army and local organisations to establish what had actually happened. He also maintained that the Army was effectively guarding the border and ensuring the security of Indian territory.
India, China review LAC situation
Jaiswal said the issue was also discussed at the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs, held on August 6, 2026.
According to the MEA, both sides held "frank discussions" and reviewed the situation along the LAC.
"The Indian side again underlined that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations," Jaiswal said.
The two countries also agreed to continue using established diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC and meetings between local commanders, to address outstanding issues and prevent "misunderstanding and miscalculation" along the LAC.
India hits back at China over Arunachal names
The latest exchange comes amid another dispute over Arunachal Pradesh.
India recently assigned official Indian names to 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, in a move seen as countering China's efforts to rename locations in the northeastern state.
China objected to India's move and reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called India's attempt to replace names used by China "illegal, null and void" and said Beijing does not recognise Arunachal Pradesh.
'Arunachal Pradesh an inalienable part of India'
India rejected China's position, with Jaiswal once again making New Delhi's stand clear.
He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an "inalienable part" of India, rejecting any attempt to question the state's status.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes as India and China continue efforts to manage tensions along the LAC through military and diplomatic mechanisms, with New Delhi maintaining that peace and tranquillity at the border are critical to improving wider bilateral relations.
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