Controversy Erupts Over Naming of Peak in Arunachal Pradesh

Indian mountaineers sparked Chinese discontent by naming an unnamed peak in Arunachal Pradesh after the 6th Dalai Lama. China reaffirmed its territorial claims over the area, while India maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory and dismissing China's consistent renaming efforts.

China expressed its discontent on Thursday after Indian mountaineers named an unnamed peak in Arunachal Pradesh after the 6th Dalai Lama, reiterating its territorial claims over the region.

The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) team scaled the 20,942 ft peak, naming it after the 6th Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso, born in 1682 in Mon Tawang region. NIMAS functions under India's Ministry of Defence.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, 'The area of Zangnan is Chinese territory,' and called India's actions 'illegal and null and void.' India dismissed China's claims, affirming Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of its territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)