Arunachal Claim and Modi Remark Trigger Political Row in India
WHO:
The Times of India - Bosiram Siram, Arunachal Pradesh Congress president and former education minister, alleged Chinese troops had entered Indian territory in Upper Subansiri district.
The Times of India - The Congress delegation included working president and former home minister Tanga Byaling and Upper Subansiri MP Jarodum Kri.
The Times of India - Chief Minister Pema Khandu said he did not believe an incursion was taking place.
The Times of India - Union minister Kiren Rijiju rejected a claim of a 60-kilometre intrusion but acknowledged increased Chinese activity on high ridges.
DW.com - India’s China border police chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapur said face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops continued at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh despite ongoing talks.
DW.com - China’s Foreign Ministry said China’s border activities were normal; a spokesperson said the two countries remained in contact through diplomatic and military channels.
WHAT:
The Times of India - Siram alleged that Chinese PLA personnel had advanced 40 to 50 kilometres into Indian territory and were stationed at intervals on high ground. He said, “You can see the Army. They are on top of the mountains, while we are down below.”
The Times of India - Siram said areas had reportedly disappeared from online maps, claimed “the whole of Asaphila” was under Chinese control, and alleged China had taken strategically important high ground.
The Times of India - Siram called for a “thorough and impartial factual investigation” and a transparent, high-level probe by the central government and defence ministry.
The Times of India - The Indian Army described an earlier claim that the PLA had expanded its presence near Taksing as “incorrect and without any basis.”
The Times of India - A People’s Party of Arunachal team claimed Indian patrols were being denied access to key points.
DW.com - India’s Foreign Ministry blamed Chinese forces for “miscalculations” along the Line of Actual Control and said the border situation was periodically disrupted.
DW.com - China said it conducted routine patrol and management activities and adhered to relevant bilateral agreements. Its account was reported by the Chinese Communist Party’s Global Times.
DW.com - India considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of the country; China considers it part of Tibet.
WHERE:
The Times of India - The allegations concern Upper Subansiri district, including the areas around Taksing and Asaphila, in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Times of India - Siram said the delegation travelled from Itanagar via Nacho to Limeking and Taksing.
DW.com - The reported military face-offs were at multiple locations along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
WHEN:
The Times of India - Siram said the delegation visited border areas from Aug 26 to 29.
DW.com - India’s Foreign Ministry made its statement on Friday; China’s Foreign Ministry responded on Monday. DW also reported Kapur’s comments as having been made “last week.”
WHY:
The Times of India - Siram said alleged Chinese activity had disrupted local residents’ lives and traditional livelihoods, and called for action to protect border security and residents’ rights and livelihoods.
DW.com - The continuing face-offs were presented as a challenge to maintaining border peace despite rounds of military and diplomatic talks.
HOW:
The Times of India - Siram said the delegation spoke with local residents during its border-area visit.
DW.com - India and China continued communicating through diplomatic and military channels.
(UPDATED October 27, 2026 10:06 UTC)
Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram alleges Chinese troops advanced 40 to 50 kilometres into Indian territory in Upper Subansiri district and took strategic high ground, calling for an impartial investigation. Chief Minister Pema Khandu said he did not believe an incursion was underway, while Union minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the claim of a 60-kilometre intrusion but acknowledged increased Chinese activity on high ridges. Face-offs continue at multiple points in Arunachal Pradesh despite talks, with India blaming Chinese miscalculations and China describing its border activity as routine.