Itanagar, July 10: In a bold and widely discussed remark, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has reignited a decades-old geopolitical debate by asserting that “India shares its border with Tibet, not China.” The statement, which has since gone viral, was made during a public address in Tawang — a sensitive border region that has long been at the center of territorial tensions between India and China.
Context of the Statement
While speaking at a cultural event, CM Khandu said,
“We are proud to share our border with Tibet, a land with which we’ve had civilizational, cultural and spiritual ties for centuries. We do not share our border with China — we share it with Tibet.”
The statement drew cheers from the local audience but also sparked heated discussions on social media and in diplomatic circles.
Historical and Political Significance
Khandu’s remark touches a raw nerve in India-China relations. China considers Arunachal Pradesh as part of “South Tibet,” a claim firmly rejected by India. New Delhi maintains that Arunachal is an integral and inalienable part of India. Meanwhile, Tibet has remained under Chinese control since the 1950s after the People’s Liberation Army took over the region.
By referring to Tibet as a separate entity and rejecting China’s border claims, the Chief Minister appears to be making a powerful political and symbolic statement — one that resonates strongly with the people of Arunachal but could provoke a stern reaction from Beijing.
Support and Criticism
Supporters of Khandu argue that his statement is historically accurate, as India’s original border agreements were with Tibet, not with the People’s Republic of China. They see it as a stand for regional identity, historical truth, and national sovereignty.
Critics, however, warn that such remarks, though emotionally stirring, could complicate already fragile India-China diplomatic ties, especially given the recurring border standoffs in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
Geostrategic Timing
This remark comes amid increasing Chinese activities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with frequent transgressions reported in recent years. India has also been bolstering infrastructure in its border areas, especially in the Northeast, to counterbalance Chinese assertiveness.
Centre Maintains Silence
So far, the central government has not officially responded to the CM’s comment. However, given the sensitivity of the Tibet issue in international diplomacy, experts believe New Delhi may distance itself from the statement while maintaining its firm stance on territorial sovereignty.
Bottom Line:
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu’s statement has thrust Tibet back into the national conversation, reminding the world of unresolved historical questions and India’s deep-rooted ties to the region — both spiritual and political. Whether this sentiment will be echoed at the national level or remain a regional assertion remains to be seen.
