Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is betting on a thaw in relations between New Delhi and Beijing. He claims better ties could open doors for his state. Arunachal shares over 1,200 km of border with China. Khandu says improved relations could boost connectivity, trade, and exchange programs.
His optimism follows a September 12 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. The two leaders sat down on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. They agreed to prioritize economic growth and peace along the disputed frontier. The BRICS New Delhi Declaration solidified this push for mutual development.
Diplomats are talking again. Still, the nations have yet to settle long-standing border disputes. New Delhi maintains that border stability is a prerequisite for broader cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that senior military commanders recently resumed flag meetings. One such meeting took place at Wacha in Arunachal Pradesh on September 6. Khandu noted that "improved bilateral relations could have significant implications for Arunachal Pradesh."
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