Relevance: GS-2 (India–China Relations, Border Disputes)
Source: Indian Express; Ministry of External Affairs

The Arunachal–China Visa Incident

An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was stopped at Shanghai Airport after Chinese officials questioned the validity of her Indian passport. China claimed that Arunachal Pradesh is “illegally established,” triggering a strong response from India. 

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, rejecting any territorial claim or administrative interference by China. India issued a formal diplomatic protest and demanded accountability for the treatment of its citizen.

Background: The Larger Boundary Issue

The incident reflects a long-standing dispute in the eastern sector of the India–China boundary.

1. India’s Legal Position

• The McMahon Line (1914), drawn at the Simla Convention, is India’s recognised boundary with Tibet.
• Arunachal Pradesh has been under India’s continuous administrative control and became a full State in 1987.
• India rejects all Chinese objections, stating sovereignty is non-negotiable.

2. China’s Claim

• China disputes the McMahon Line and claims about 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh as “Southern Tibet.”
• China objects to Indian leaders’ visits, development projects and sometimes issues stapled visas to residents of Arunachal as a political signal.

Present Status

• India governs Arunachal Pradesh fully—politically, militarily, and administratively.
• China continues “incremental assertion”: renaming Indian villages, publishing new maps, and raising objections over routine Indian activities.
• Despite diplomatic exchanges and border talks, the eastern sector remains unresolved even after 22 rounds of Special Representative talks.

Challenges for India

• Repetitive diplomatic friction: visa incidents, map controversies, and objections to infrastructure.
• Rapid Chinese military build-up across the Line of Actual Control.
• Pressure on border populations, tourism, and connectivity.
• Geopolitical complexity, as tensions in the eastern sector link with larger India–China strategic competition.

Way Ahead

• Continue firm diplomatic messaging supported by facts, treaties and historical evidence.
• Strengthen border infrastructure (roads, tunnels, telecom) to support residents and defence forces.
• Expand development programmes, administrative presence, and livelihood schemes in border districts.
• Enhance cooperation with regional partners and use multilateral forums to counter Chinese narratives.
• Maintain military readiness while keeping communication channels open to prevent escalation.

China’s objections cannot alter the legal, historical and administrative reality of India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.

UPSC Mains Question

“Examine the basis of India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh and evaluate how China’s frequent assertions impact India’s strategic and diplomatic posture.”