Borders Neglected in Past, Now Top Priority for Modi Government: Rijiju Amid Arunachal China Intrusion Claims
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that border areas, which he described as neglected in the past, are now a “top priority” for the Narendra Modi government. His remarks came amid renewed concerns over reported Chinese military activity in the Upper Subansiri region of Arunachal Pradesh.
Rijiju, who represents Arunachal West in the Lok Sabha, said the government was focused on accelerating infrastructure development in remote and strategically important border areas. He recently visited Maza, Galemo and Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh to review ongoing infrastructure work.
“Border areas are tough but Narendra Modi government is committed to border development,” Rijiju said in a post on X, adding that he had visited the remote areas to speed up infrastructure projects.
The minister’s comments came as concerns over the India-China border situation resurfaced, with reports and claims of increased Chinese activity along parts of the Arunachal frontier.
Rijiju Rejects Claims of 60-Km Chinese Intrusion
Rijiju has rejected claims that Chinese troops recently penetrated as far as 60 kilometres inside Arunachal Pradesh. At the same time, he acknowledged that concerns raised by residents of border areas were genuine and should be taken seriously.
He said the India-China boundary in Arunachal Pradesh has not been formally delineated in several stretches and that the absence of clear demarcation has contributed to recurring tensions.
Rijiju also cautioned against circulating unverified photographs and videos to support claims of Chinese intrusion. He said misinformation on such a sensitive issue could create confusion and affect the morale of security forces.
The minister said Chinese military activity has increased on some ridgelines and that the concerns of villagers living in the region cannot be ignored. He maintained, however, that claims suggesting China had captured Indian villages were incorrect.
The remarks come against the backdrop of broader India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control. The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly maintained that peace and tranquillity in the border areas are important for the wider bilateral relationship.
Rijiju Targets Congress Over Border Infrastructure
Rijiju also criticised previous Congress-led governments over their approach to infrastructure development along India’s borders. He referred to a 2013 statement by former Defence Minister A.K. Antony in Parliament, in which Antony acknowledged that India had historically lagged behind China in border infrastructure.
Rijiju cited Antony’s remarks to argue that the previous approach had left several frontier areas without adequate roads and connectivity.
However, Antony had also said in the same 2013 parliamentary statement that successive governments had recognised the shortcomings of the earlier policy and changed course well before the UPA came to power. He said efforts to strengthen infrastructure and capabilities along the border had already been underway during the UPA governments.
Rijiju said the situation changed further after 2014, with the Modi government placing greater emphasis on roads and connectivity in strategically important border regions.
Infrastructure Development Remains Central to Border Strategy
The development of infrastructure has become an important part of India’s strategy for improving access to remote border regions. Rijiju pointed to projects in Maza, Galemo and Taksing as examples of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity.
He said roads and other infrastructure are necessary not only for local residents but also for the movement and logistical requirements of security personnel deployed in difficult terrain.
According to Rijiju, infrastructure development on the Indian side has accelerated in recent years, including road connectivity to Taksing. He also highlighted his recent visit to the area, where he met personnel from the Border Roads Organisation, Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
The minister’s comments underline the government’s position that better infrastructure is essential for strengthening India’s presence and access in remote frontier regions.
At the same time, the border situation remains a sensitive matter because several sections of the India-China boundary are disputed and lack mutually agreed demarcation on the ground.
As concerns continue over developments in Arunachal Pradesh, the government has stressed the need to distinguish verified information from unsubstantiated claims. Rijiju has said local concerns must be addressed while maintaining that India’s territory will be protected.
The debate over border infrastructure also remains politically contested, with the government highlighting recent development work and the Opposition questioning aspects of India’s border policy. For now, the focus remains on infrastructure, security and maintaining stability along the frontier as India continues to manage its complex relationship with China.
