Amidst warming of ties, China has taken exception to Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs visit to Arunachal Pradesh and his assertion that the state belongs to India, evoking a strong reaction from New Delhi.
Almost a week after Singh visited Arunachal Pradesh and said the state was our land of rising sun, Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have conveyed to officials in the Indian Mission in Beijing that they were unhappy with the visit and his comments there. New Delhi has reaffirmed its stand that Arunachal is an integral part of the country and leaders are free to travel to any part of the state. The other side is well aware of our clear and consistent position, official sources here said. Reacting to China's statement, foreign minister S M Krishna said, "Well, regardless of what others say it is the Government of India's stated position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. We rest at that."