India has firmly rejected China’s latest objections concerning the official designation of 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on its maps. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “inalienable and integral part of India,” underscoring the unchangeable nature of this assertion. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that this fact is self-evident and beyond dispute.

The rejection of China’s criticisms follows Beijing’s objections to India’s mapping exercise, which assigns standard names to various locations in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaiswal emphasised that the status of the state remains unchanged despite external claims and that India remains steadfast in its position.

The ongoing dispute highlights the longstanding tensions between India and China over territorial claims, particularly concerning Arunachal Pradesh, an area that China refers to as “Zangnan” and does not acknowledge as part of India.

China’s Position and Diplomatic Exchanges

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described India’s recent mapping initiative as “illegal, null and void,” insisting that the “Zangnan region is China’s territory.” This statement reflects China’s continuous assertion of territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, a stance that India has consistently rejected.

Officials in China have voiced that assigning names to locations in Arunachal Pradesh will not alter their claims and have previously introduced lists of names for various locations in the region. India’s mapping exercise is viewed by New Delhi as an affirmation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The dispute over cartographic representations has persisted for years, with both nations issuing competing claims and names for the same locations, contributing to rising tensions. India maintains that such re-naming exercises by China cannot affect its territorial sovereignty.

Details of India’s Mapping Exercise

The recent controversy escalated after India formally identified 27 significant locations in Arunachal Pradesh on official maps produced by the Survey of India. These locations include historically and strategically important sites, notably those associated with the India-China border dispute and conflicts such as the 1962 war.

Among the locations recognised are Longju and Thag La, both pivotal in the backdrop of Indo-China tensions. Additional sites noted in the mapping include Jairampur, Jaswant Garh, Sambho Sarovar, amongst others, reflecting a comprehensive approach to geographical identification.

The Indian government has clarified that the purpose of this exercise is to enhance public awareness and improve geographical precision, rather than to alter national boundaries. This further indicates India’s commitment to establish a clear outline of its territorial claims.

Emphasis on Peace for Bilateral Relations

Despite the rising tensions over Arunachal Pradesh, Indian officials continue to stress the necessity of maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as a prerequisite for fostering better bilateral relations. Jaiswal indicated that addressing border-related issues with seriousness is integral to improving broader ties.

This sentiment was echoed during the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs held in New Delhi on August 6. Various topics were discussed, including boundary management and trans-border cooperation, underscoring a mutual commitment to dialogue.

Both India and China agreed to utilise established diplomatic and military communication channels to handle existing disputes and prevent any misunderstandings or miscalculations along the borders, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in mitigating conflicts.

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