ITANAGAR, 5 Sap: Referring to China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh and areas in Ladakh, Governor KT Parnaik emphasised that India must remain vigilant, united, and prepared to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests.
During a 'PIC-CCAS China Conference' organised in Pune (Maharashtra) by the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS) from 4-5 September, the governor shared his insights into China's strategic trajectory and its implications for India and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Drawing upon his extensive military and strategic experience, the governor described China as India's "civilisation neighbour" - a nation with which India shares centuries of cultural and historical interactions. At the same time, he cautioned that China's contemporary strategic outlook continues to exhibit expansionist tendencies, reflected in its territorial claims and assertive posturing along disputed borders.
The governor highlighted the remarkable transformation of China under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, noting its rise as a major economic, technological, and military power. He observed that China has systematically expanded its influence across Asia, Africa, and other regions through infrastructure investments, financial assistance, and initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
While acknowledging the scale of China's global outreach, Parnaik stressed the need for countries in the region to carefully assess the strategic implications of such engagements.
Focusing on Arunachal, the governor underlined the state's immense strategic significance as India's eastern frontier. He stated that the people residing in border areas are vital stakeholders in national security. Their presence, local knowledge, resilience, and commitment to the nation contribute significantly to border management and situational awareness, he said.
The governor emphasised that empowered and prosperous border communities serve as the strongest guardians of the nation's frontiers.
He also highlighted the Government of India's sustained efforts to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in border regions through improved road networks, communication systems, and development initiatives. "Such measures," he noted, "not only enhance operational preparedness but also improve the quality of life of border residents, thereby reinforcing the nation's security architecture."
Underscoring the importance of informed strategic discourse, the governor said that understanding China's evolving political, military, economic, and technological landscape is essential for shaping effective national policies. He called for greater collaboration among policymakers, scholars, strategic thinkers, and security experts to build a comprehensive understanding of emerging geopolitical realities and ensure that India remains prepared to meet future challenges with confidence and clarity.
The conference featured deliberations by eminent strategic thinkers and policymakers, including CCAS president Jayadeva Ranade, PIC vice president Dr Vijay Kelkar, former ambassador to Bhutan and China and former high commissioner to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale, and former chief of Army staff Manoj Pande.
Drawing upon their vast experience in diplomacy, governance, and national security, they shared valuable perspectives on China's evolving role, regional security dynamics, and the emerging geopolitical challenges and opportunities for India.
The conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, strategic analysts, and domain experts from across the country to deliberate on issues of profound national and regional significance.
The discussions focused on key themes, such as India-China bilateral relations and border dynamics, evolving military and security developments, emerging trade and economic trends, rapid advancements in technology and innovation, the digital domain, and the changing geopolitical and strategic landscape of Asia. (Lok Bhavan)
