ITANAGAR, Sep 5: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for continued vigilance, national unity and preparedness to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and national interests amid China’s growing strategic assertiveness.
Addressing the two-day PIC-CCAS China Conference 2026 at Pune on Friday and Saturday, Parnaik said India must develop a comprehensive understanding of China’s evolving political, economic, military and technological capabilities to effectively respond to emerging geopolitical challenges.
Describing China as India’s “civilization neighbour”, the Governor noted that the two countries share centuries of cultural and historical interactions. However, he cautioned that China’s contemporary strategic outlook continues to reflect expansionist tendencies, particularly through territorial claims and assertive posturing along disputed borders.
Referring to China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh and areas in Ladakh, Parnaik stressed that India must remain vigilant, united and adequately prepared to protect its territorial integrity.
The Governor highlighted China’s transformation into a major global economic, technological and military power under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. He observed that Beijing has 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 said countries in the region need to carefully assess the long-term strategic implications of such engagements.
Focusing on Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor described the State as strategically vital to India as its eastern frontier. He emphasised that people living in border areas are important stakeholders in national security, with their local knowledge, resilience and continued presence contributing significantly to border management and situational awareness.
He said empowered, prosperous and well-connected border communities constitute an important pillar of national security.
The Governor also highlighted the sustained efforts of the Government of India to improve roads, communication networks and other infrastructure in border areas, stating that such development strengthens operational preparedness while improving the quality of life of residents.
Parnaik further called for greater cooperation among policymakers, scholars, strategic thinkers and security experts to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of China’s trajectory and its implications for India and the Indo-Pacific region.
The two-day conference, organised jointly by the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS), brought together prominent policymakers, diplomats, military leaders, scholars and strategic analysts.
Among those participating in the deliberations were CCAS President Jayadeva Ranade, PIC Vice President Dr Vijay Kelkar, former Ambassador Gautam Bambawale and former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.
The discussions covered India-China bilateral relations and border dynamics, military and security developments, trade and economic trends, technological and digital advancements, and the broader geopolitical transformation of Asia.
The Governor’s address underlined the importance of combining strategic preparedness with development of border regions, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, in strengthening India’s security architecture and ensuring peace and stability along the nation’s frontiers.