PUNE, SEP 5:
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has stressed the need for India to remain vigilant, united and prepared to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests in view of China’s expansionist tendencies and assertive posturing along disputed borders.
The Governor made the remarks while delivering the keynote inaugural address at the PIC-CCAS China Conference 2026 organised jointly by the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS) in Pune on September 4 and 5. He spoke on China’s strategic trajectory and its implications for India and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Describing China as India’s “civilization neighbour”, Parnaik noted that the two countries share 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.
Referring specifically to China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh and areas in Ladakh, the Governor emphasised that India must remain vigilant and adequately prepared to protect its territorial integrity and national interests.
Parnaik also highlighted China’s transformation into a major economic, technological and military power under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. He said 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), and stressed that countries in the region need to carefully assess the strategic implications of such engagements.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic significance as India’s eastern frontier, the Governor said people living 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 stressed that empowered and prosperous border communities are among 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 said, enhance operational preparedness while improving the quality of life of border residents and reinforcing the nation’s security architecture.
The Governor underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of China’s evolving political, military, economic and technological landscape. He called for greater collaboration among policymakers, scholars, strategic thinkers and security experts to shape effective national policies and ensure that India remains prepared to meet emerging geopolitical challenges.
The two-day conference brought together leading scholars, policymakers, strategic analysts and domain experts to deliberate on India-China bilateral relations and border dynamics, military and security developments, emerging trade and economic trends, technological and digital advancements, and the changing geopolitical landscape of Asia.
Among the prominent participants were 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 General Manoj Pande.
