The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China.&nbsp;

US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control."

His remarks come days after the Chinese repeated its claim over the northeast Indian state following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the strategically important Sela&nbsp;tunnel there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-sela-worlds-longest-bi-tunnel-in-arunachal-heres-why-it-is-strategically-important-698283">PM Modi inaugurates world's longest bi-lane Sela tunnel in Arunachal | Know its strategic importance</a>

China had been claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and repeated the same in reaction to PM Modi's&nbsp;visit, only to get a sharp retort from New Delhi.&nbsp;

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US recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory &amp; we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments military or civilian, across LAC: US state dept on Arunachal Pradesh after China objected to PM Modi's visit <a href="https://t.co/0m1vPLu1bU">pic.twitter.com/0m1vPLu1bU</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1770639255712493956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Communist China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang by stating that the sixth Dalai Lama was born there in the 17th century.

Beijing claims that the birthplaces of all Dalai Lamas historically belong to China.

The People's Republic of China, however, similarly does not claim Mongolia in its entirety despite it being the birthplace of the fourth Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-inaugurates-nearly-90-infrastructure-projects-along-lac-635421">India inaugurates nearly 90 infrastructure projects along LAC</a>

New Delhi maintains that Beijing's claims do not alter the reality in Arunachal Pradesh.

On Tuesday (Mar19), Indian external affairs ministry&nbsp;said that China was "advancing absurd claims" over Arunachal Pradesh and that the northeastern state "was, is, and will always be" an integral part of India. 
 
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The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China.

The US on Wednesday (Mar 20) stated it recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and it opposes any unilateral attempts made to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control, in a reference to China. US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, "The United States recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control." His remarks come days after the Chinese repeated its claim over the northeast Indian state following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the strategically important Sela tunnel there. Also read | PM Modi inaugurates world's longest bi-lane Sela tunnel in Arunachal | Know its strategic importance China had been claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet and repeated the same in reaction to PM Modi's visit, only to get a sharp retort from New Delhi. US recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory & we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments military or civilian, across LAC: US state dept on Arunachal Pradesh after China objected to PM Modi's visit pic.twitter.com/0m1vPLu1bU — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 21, 2024 × Communist China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang by stating that the sixth Dalai Lama was born there in the 17th century. Beijing claims that the birthplaces of all Dalai Lamas historically belong to China. The People's Republic of China, however, similarly does not claim Mongolia in its entirety despite it being the birthplace of the fourth Dalai Lama. Also read | India inaugurates nearly 90 infrastructure projects along LAC New Delhi maintains that Beijing's claims do not alter the reality in Arunachal Pradesh. On Tuesday (Mar19), Indian external affairs ministry said that China was "advancing absurd claims" over Arunachal Pradesh and that the northeastern state "was, is, and will always be" an integral part of India.

US states the obvious: 'Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory '

According to reports, India has started building a ropeway near Tawang. This comes right after the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel. India is boosting strategic infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control. China is furious; is it feeling threatened?

Gravitas: China fumes over India's infra boost near LAC

The Sela Tunnel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9, is a key border infrastructure project of India as it connects Guwahati to the strategic Tawang sector round-the-year. The road tunnel will greatly boost Indian Army by aiding faster military movement to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Watch this video to find out more.

Gravitas: India's strategic new road tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang rattles China

In the already fraught ties between New Delhi and Beijing China has now raised an issue with the inauguration of the Sela tunnel in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Arunachal Pradesh where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel. The tunnel that holds significant strategic importance for India. Watch to know more!

China criticises inauguration of Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh

China rejects Modi's inauguration of Sela Tunnel, warns of further strain in bilateral ties

China protests inauguration of 'Sela Tunnel' in Arunachal Pradesh

China opposes India's Sela Tunnel, warns of further strain in bilateral ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday (March 9). The tunnel project, flagged off in Itanagar is part of several development projects launched by the Modi government for the northeastern states of India.&nbsp;

Along with it, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth about Rs 55,600 crore in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel was laid in 2019 by the Prime Minister himself, with an aim to provide all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawan is situated 448 km northwest of the capital city of Itanagar and is also close to the Chinese&nbsp;border in the northeast.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-assam-set-to-inaugurate-projects-worth-21-bn-698203">WATCH | PM Modi visits Kaziranga National Park in Assam, takes elephant safari</a>

Sela tunnel is the world’s longest bi-tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, which consists of two tunnels and a link road.&nbsp;

Here is more on the newly inaugurated Sela tunnel:

<h2>PM Modi inaugurated Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh: Here’s everything you need to know</h2>

<h3>Location and cost</h3>

Constructed at a total expense of ₹825 crore under the auspices of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), this tunnel is located at an elevation of 13,700 feet within the West Kameng district. It lies along the route linking Tezpur to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sela is also the country's highest tunnel providing all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang region and other forward areas bordering China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/expert-voice-e-commerce-entrepreneurs-inspiring-inclusion-in-smaller-cities-698238">Expert Voice | E-commerce entrepreneurs inspiring inclusion in smaller cities</a>

<h3>An engineering marvel</h3>

This project marks the construction of the world's longest twin-lane tunnel at an altitude surpassing 13,000 feet. It consists of Tunnel 1, stretching 980 meters as a single tube tunnel, and Tunnel 2, spanning 1,555 meters as a twin tube tunnel.&nbsp;

The PMO called this project an engineering marvel in its official statement. It will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across the Sela pass on the Balipara -Chariduar- Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. The tunnel was built using the new Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporating safety features of the highest standards.

<h3>Strategic significance</h3>

The tunnel was flagged off during PM Modi’s address on the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast’ (Developed India, Developed Northeast) programme in Itanagar. During the address, the PM reiterated the government’s commitment to making Northeast the growth engine of India.

Previously, Arunachal Pradesh's lack of roads and railways posed a disadvantage for India compared to China along the northeastern border. China's infrastructure development, including access roads to the Indian border, provided a strategic advantage.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rameshwaram-cafe-reopens-in-bengaluru-amid-tight-security-measures-after-blast-that-injured-10-698207">Rameshwaram cafe reopens in Bengaluru amid tight security measures after blast that injured 10</a>

However, in recent years, the Union government under PM Modi has enhanced infrastructure connectivity in the northeast, with new airports and railways being constructed in the region. Projects like the Sela Tunnel hold strategic importance in this regard.

The project ensures year-round connectivity to the Tawang region, an area contested by China, which claims it as part of its historical territory. Previously, the Sela Pass remained closed during winter months. However, the project introduces a new route towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC), facilitating the continuous flow of military personnel and equipment movement.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday (March 9). The tunnel project, flagged off in Itanagar is part of several development projects launched by the Modi government for the northeastern states of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday (March 9). The tunnel project, flagged off in Itanagar is part of several development projects launched by the Modi government for the northeastern states of India. Along with it, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth about Rs 55,600 crore in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. The foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel was laid in 2019 by the Prime Minister himself, with an aim to provide all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawan is situated 448 km northwest of the capital city of Itanagar and is also close to the Chinese border in the northeast. Also Read | WATCH | PM Modi visits Kaziranga National Park in Assam, takes elephant safari Sela tunnel is the world’s longest bi-tunnel, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, which consists of two tunnels and a link road. Here is more on the newly inaugurated Sela tunnel: PM Modi inaugurated Sela tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh: Here’s everything you need to know Location and cost Constructed at a total expense of ₹825 crore under the auspices of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), this tunnel is located at an elevation of 13,700 feet within the West Kameng district. It lies along the route linking Tezpur to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Sela is also the country's highest tunnel providing all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang region and other forward areas bordering China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also Read | Expert Voice | E-commerce entrepreneurs inspiring inclusion in smaller cities An engineering marvel This project marks the construction of the world's longest twin-lane tunnel at an altitude surpassing 13,000 feet. It consists of Tunnel 1, stretching 980 meters as a single tube tunnel, and Tunnel 2, spanning 1,555 meters as a twin tube tunnel. The PMO called this project an engineering marvel in its official statement. It will provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang across the Sela pass on the Balipara -Chariduar- Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. The tunnel was built using the new Austrian Tunnelling Method and incorporating safety features of the highest standards. Strategic significance The tunnel was flagged off during PM Modi’s address on the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Northeast’ (Developed India, Developed Northeast) programme in Itanagar. During the address, the PM reiterated the government’s commitment to making Northeast the growth engine of India. Previously, Arunachal Pradesh's lack of roads and railways posed a disadvantage for India compared to China along the northeastern border. China's infrastructure development, including access roads to the Indian border, provided a strategic advantage. Also Read | Rameshwaram cafe reopens in Bengaluru amid tight security measures after blast that injured 10 However, in recent years, the Union government under PM Modi has enhanced infrastructure connectivity in the northeast, with new airports and railways being constructed in the region. Projects like the Sela Tunnel hold strategic importance in this regard. The project ensures year-round connectivity to the Tawang region, an area contested by China, which claims it as part of its historical territory. Previously, the Sela Pass remained closed during winter months. However, the project introduces a new route towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC), facilitating the continuous flow of military personnel and equipment movement. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates world's longest bi-lane Sela tunnel in Arunachal | Know its strategic importance

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