Arunachal Pradesh: A focal point of confrontation between India & China

The Sino-Indian border dispute has simmered for decades, with Arunachal Pradesh being a key source of tension in the eastern region. This paper delves deeper into the recent escalation in the eastern state. China's claim over the region is rooted in Mao Zedong's "five finger policy" which sought to annex territories including Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. This policy forms the basis of China's aggressive territorial claims and expansionist agenda. The historical backdrop of the dispute dates to the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where China launched a military offensive and occupied parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as "South Tibet". The conflict resulted in a significant loss for India, further fuelling the territorial tensions between the two nations. On the other hand, India asserts its irrefutable claim over Arunachal Pradesh based on the McMahon Line, which was established as the legal boundary between Tibet and British India in the 1914 Shimla Convention. India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and rejects China's claims as illegitimate and unsupported by historical or legal evidence. The confrontation over Arunachal Pradesh continues to simmer, with occasional incidents of border incursions and military standoffs. Objective: The objective of this paper is to provide an analysis the reason behind the escalating issues of the present-day situation regarding the territorial dispute between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh. It aims to highlight the historical context, China's claims, the 1962 conflict, India's counterclaims based on the Mac Donald Line, as well as discussing about the prospects of the conflict and ways to resolve those issues. Methodology: Researcher will employ a multi-pronged approach, including examining historical research, geopolitical analysis, and reference to international treaties and agreements to present a comprehensive understanding of the situation and explore possible solutions. The methodology involved a thorough review of scholarly articles, official documents, and reputable sources to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented.