WASHINGTON: The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is gearing up to discuss a crucial bipartisan resolution on June 21. The resolution aims to recognize Arunachal Pradesh, a region disputed by China, as an integral part of India. By doing so, the committee intends to confront China's ongoing military aggression and their attempts to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in the United States for an official three-day state visit coincides with the Senate's consideration of this resolution, adding even more significance to the discussions.

The resolution strongly condemns China's continuous provocations, including the use of military force to alter the status quo along the Line of Actual Control. It specifically criticizes China for constructing villages in disputed areas and publishing maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and features within the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Moreover, the resolution highlights China's expansion of territorial claims in Bhutan.

Bipartisan Support for the Resolution: The resolution, introduced in February this year by Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Bill Hagerty, a Republican, has gained bipartisan support. Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, has also co-sponsored the resolution. This united front showcases the shared concern among American lawmakers regarding China's actions in the region.

Recognition of Arunachal Pradesh's Status: The resolution affirms India's efforts to defend itself against Chinese aggression and security threats. It acknowledges India's initiatives to safeguard its telecommunications infrastructure, conduct investment screening, and protect its sovereignty. Importantly, the resolution unequivocally recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the Republic of India, supporting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China, referring to Arunachal Pradesh as Zangnan, asserts that the region belongs to South Tibet. However, India's External Affairs Ministry has consistently rejected this claim, emphasizing that Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India. China frequently protests against visits by Indian leaders and officials to Arunachal Pradesh in an attempt to reinforce its claim.

The resolution commends India for its proactive measures to counter Chinese aggression and security threats. These measures include fortifying its telecommunications infrastructure, reviewing procurement processes and supply chains, implementing investment screening standards, and strengthening collaboration with Taiwan, particularly in public health and other sectors.

Supporting India's Defense Modernization and Development Efforts: The resolution further supports India's ongoing defense modernization endeavors, advocating for diversification away from countries that disregard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. It also applauds India's efforts to enhance development in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically through the improvement of border infrastructure, connectivity, energy security, and renewable energy production.

The bipartisan resolution commits to bolstering U.S. assistance to the region through the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development. Funding mechanisms, such as the Countering Chinese Influence Fund, will be utilized to support this endeavor. Additionally, the resolution encourages like-minded international partners and donors to increase their assistance efforts in Arunachal Pradesh.

Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the importance of strengthening the U.S.-India bilateral partnership. It calls for enhanced defense interoperability and information-sharing, particularly for early warning systems. It also highlights the United States-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, as well as the expansion of economic cooperation and enduring people-to-people ties.

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee's consideration of the resolution recognizing Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India marks a significant step in countering China's military aggression. This bipartisan effort reflects the concerns shared by American lawmakers and underscores the importance of upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. The resolution also acknowledges India's defensive measures and encourages continued cooperation between the United States and India in various domains.

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