Arunachal integral part of India, says US consul general

United States Consul General in Kolkata Craig L Hall on Thursday said the US government is very clear that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. Craig said this during a meeting with Chief Minister Kalikho Pul while referring to the oft repeated claims of China over Arunachal Pradesh territory, an official release said.

Through Craig, Pul also asked the US government to help rectify Google Maps wherein China has indicated Arunachal and some parts of Assam as a part of its territory.

Craig said India's Act East Policy could be strengthened if road connectivity in the region is developed well, as Arunachal is located in a strategically important position having international borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan, it said.

Private companies of the US are looking for ways, though difficult it seems, for more connectivity in the region so that pace of developmental activities can be accelerated, he said.

"In fact, the US government is working with the Indian counterpart to promote business relations with NE India," he said, adding that the state has potential in hydro-power and tourism sectors.

He put forward his opinion to the chief minister for global tendering of the hydro-power and infrastructure developments projects of the state, so that the advertisement could be sent to the companies in the US, the release said.

Seeking US support in developing road connectivity and harnessing hydropower of the state, the chief minister said Western investors should feel free to invest in Arunachal.

The chief minister also sought the help of the US for capacity building, particularly in training, support and equipment for dealing with natural disasters. Pul further sought the assistance of the United States in getting loans from Asian Development Bank and other institutions for various development projects in the state, the release added.