For the first time an American Ambassador to India visited Arunachal Pradesh as a guest to witness the Tawang Festival. The visit is expected to trigger another round of verbal exchanges between New Delhi and Beijing. China raises red flag every time there is any high-level visit to Arunachal, including that of Indian Presidents and Prime Ministers.
“America makes it’s presence in Tawang festival. Thank u Mr Richard Verma for making the festival a global event by ur presence, “ Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted.
“Stunning mountains and wonderful people. Terrific visit to Arunachal Pradesh for the Tawang Festival. Thank you Tawang for the hospitality, “ Richard Verma, the United States of America ambassador tweeted from Tawang.
Besides being Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s home town, Tawang is also the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai lama — Tsangyang Gyatso. Arunachal Pradesh borders China which it claims as its territory. It is learnt that Khandu has also invited the present Dalai lama to visit the state next year, a move that may further irk China.
Sources said this is the first time a US ambassador to India has visited Arunachal Pradesh even though the USA has always recognized India’s sovereignty over the state. last year China had reacted very strongly to the US Consul General in Kolkata, Craig l. Hall’s statement that “US is absolutely clear that Arunachal is India territory. “ China had reacted by terming the statement ‘highly irresponsible’ and any ‘third party’ will only complicate the issue.
China had in the past also protested visits by Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2009, Defence Minister in 2012, President Pranab Mukherjee in 2013 and PM Narendra Modi’s tour to the State in 2015.