New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra Thursday said India’s stronger relationship with the US after the nuclear deal will make its ties with China “difficult” and drew attention to speculation about China’s suspected designs on Arunachal Pradesh. “There is speculation about China trying to capture what they call southern Tibet (Arunachal Pradesh). There is also speculation about China going back on recognizing Sikkim as part of India,” Mishra said at a conclave on India-US relations.

China formally recognized Sikkim as part of India in 2003 in return for India’s recognition of the Tibetan Autonomous Region as part of China.

Mishra also spoke about China’s unease with the India-US nuclear deal, which Beijing considers is targeted against its rise. “The strategic partnership with China is going to be make out relationship with India more difficult,” he said.

During his visit to Arunchal Pradesh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee reiterated that Arunachal is an integral part of India. Beijing protested, saying it’s a disputed region.

India and China have held several rounds of talks to resolve their decades-old border dispute, but without any significant progress. Trade ties between the two countries is growing steadily and is expected to surpass India’s bilateral trade with the US soon.