New Delhi, Friday 16 October 2009: Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao on Friday categorically dismissed China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, saying that the north-eastern state is an integral part of India.

Urging the Communist State to understand the ground realties, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao dismissed China’s objection to exiled Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama’s proposed visit to the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Making New Delhi’s stance clear on the issue, Rao said that there were no restrictions on Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal or any other state since it is an integral part of India.

The reaction comes days after China expressed its displeasure over PM Manmohan Singh’s recent visit to the state and asked New Delhi to address Beijing’s concern.

The two sides have locked horns over reports of a military build up by China near disputed eastern border of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said, “We demand the Indian side address China’s serious concerns and not trigger disturbance in the disputed region so as to facilitate the healthy development of China-India relations.”

Zhaoxu noted that China and India had “never officially settled” demarcation of their border, and China’s stance on the eastern section of the China-India border was “consistent and clear-cut”.

However, this was completely rejected by New Delhi and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna issued a statement saying Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country.

“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. We rest at that. Regardless of what others have to say, it is Government of India’s position that Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India,” Krishna said.

The External Affairs Ministry also issued a statement expressing disappointment and concern over Chinese objection to Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in November.

The proposed visit comes exactly a year after the exiled Tibetan leader dropped his plan to visit Tawang “because of the Lok Sabha elections”.

Last year, the Dalai Lama was denied permission to visit Tawang, reportedly under pressure from China.