New Delhi: Indian government on Thursday warned China saying India reserves the right to suitably respond to Chinese actions of issuing stapled visas to Indian nationals. 

Responding to a question on China’s issuing stapled visas to three Indian wushu players, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi termed Beijing’s move as ‘unacceptable’.

” We got to know that China has issued Stapled visas to some of our players representing the country in an international sporting event in China. This is not acceptable. And we have expressed our strong disagreement with the Chinese side. India deserves the right to strongly and suitably respond to such actions,” said Bagchi.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Indian government stayed the departure of three Indian players who were ready to proceed to Chengdu, China to participate in the World University Games, which is scheduled to be held between July 28-August 8, after China issued stapled visas to the players. All three players hailed from Arunachal Pradesh.

According to reports, a 12-member team consisting of eight players, one coach, and three officials was scheduled to visit China to take part in the sports event. To which, remaining members of the team were issued visas, but,  three members from Arunachal Pradesh were issued stapled visas.

The matter can be viewed against the backdrop that China considers Arunachal Pradesh as part of south Tibet. While India has always maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

Also Read: IITs Facing a Crisis? 8000 Dropouts, 39 Student Suicides in 5 Years