US Senate Committee Passes Resolution Declaring Arunachal Integral Part Of India
WASHINGTON, DC (ANI) – The United States Congressional Senatorial Committee passed a significant resolution on July 13, declaring Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India. The resolution was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, and Jon Cornyn of Texas. It received bipartisan support and was cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine of Virginia and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
The resolution reinforces the United States’ recognition of the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It unequivocally rejects China’s territorial claims over large portions of Arunachal Pradesh, which align with the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies.
Senator Merkley, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, emphasized the importance of upholding American values that support freedom and a rules-based order worldwide. He stated, “Committee passage of this resolution affirms that the United States views the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India—not the People’s Republic of China—and commits the US to deepen support and assistance to the region, alongside like-minded international partners.”
Senator Hagerty stressed the need for the United States to stand firmly with its strategic partners in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific region, particularly India and other Quad countries, to counter the broader territorial ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He highlighted China’s assertiveness in various disputed areas, including the South and East China Seas, the Himalayas, and the southern Pacific.
In agreement, Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of defending democracy and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially as tensions escalate between India and China along their shared border. He stated, “This resolution would reaffirm that the US recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Republic of India.”
The passing of this resolution signifies the United States’ commitment to supporting India and its territorial integrity while actively opposing China’s aggressive territorial expansion. By standing together with India and other partners, the United States aims to foster a stable and rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
