India trashes China's criticism of US envoy's Arunachal visit

New Delhi, Oct 24 

India on Monday curtly dismissed China's protest against US Ambassador Richard Verma's visit for the annual Tawang Festival in Arunachal Pradesh.

"The US Ambassador visited Arunachal Pradesh, a state which is an integral part of the country to which he is accredited," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media.

Verma visited Tawang along with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal last week.

Beijing said visits like that of Verma would make the border dispute between India and China more "complicated" and "sabotage" peace in the region.

"There is nothing unusual in (Verma's visit)," Swarup said.