India has formally identified 27 locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh using their standard Indian names. The Survey of India has included the names on its official map of the northeastern state.
The move comes as China continues its attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. Beijing has issued several lists of what it calls "standardised" names for locations in the state.
The Indian government said the latest step will help people recognise these locations correctly. It will also improve public awareness about their geographical and strategic importance.
"Identifying them formally on the Survey of India map of Arunachal Pradesh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large," PTI quoted an official statement as saying.
China Continues Renaming Attempts
China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as Zangnan. Beijing claims the state forms part of southern Tibet. India has repeatedly rejected this claim. China has also issued several lists assigning new names to places in Arunachal Pradesh. New Delhi has dismissed these moves as "vain and preposterous."
India has maintained that changing the names of places cannot change their status. It has repeatedly stated that Arunachal Pradesh "was, is, and will" remain an integral part of India.
Key Strategic Locations on Indian Map
The 27 locations include several areas with major strategic and historical importance. Long Ju is among the locations identified by India. The area lies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It became an early flashpoint in India-China tensions after Chinese forces entered the area in 1959.
Maja, a village in Upper Subansiri district near Long Ju, also features on the list. India has also formally identified several high-altitude mountain passes. These include Dzo La, Riza La and Pukur La. The list also includes Thag La. The area holds historical importance because it was linked to the opening battles of the 1962 India-China war.
Jairampur's Strategic Importance
Jairampur in Changlang district also appears on the official map. The town plays an important logistical role in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It also serves as a gateway to areas close to the Myanmar border.
Its location makes it important for the movement of security forces and other logistical operations in the region.
Lakes, Villages and Memorials Included
The Indian map now also formally identifies Sambho Sarovar, a high-altitude lake. Bara Kundun and Chhota Kundun in eastern Arunachal Pradesh are also part of the list. Other locations include Dhan Bari, Pritnagar, Teritnagar and Ramnagar.
Jaswant Garh also features on the list. The location houses a memorial for Indian soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat on the Tawang Road. Rawat is remembered for his role during the 1962 India-China war.
More Locations Added to Official Map
The list includes several villages and other geographical features. Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar and Baisakhi are among them. The government has also identified the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial. The memorial honours Trilok Singh Thapa, who is remembered as a hero of the 1962 war.
Other locations include Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar and Sunpura. Kamlang Nagar, located near the Kamlang sanctuary, also appears on the list. Buddhamandir is another location that India has formally identified.
India Rejects China's Claims
New Delhi has repeatedly opposed China's efforts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India has described the names issued by Beijing as "fictitious names." It has also said that such actions seek to create "baseless narratives."
The Indian government has stressed that these efforts cannot change the "undeniable reality" that Arunachal Pradesh is part of India. India has also warned that China's renaming exercises could make efforts to improve and normalise bilateral relations more difficult.
China's Earlier Lists
China's Civil Affairs Ministry began issuing lists of purportedly standardised names for Arunachal Pradesh locations in 2017. The first list included six locations.
China released a second list in 2021. It contained names for 15 places. Beijing issued another list in 2023. That list covered 11 locations. China calls Arunachal Pradesh Zangnan and claims the territory as part of southern Tibet. India has consistently rejected the claim.
India Reinforces Its Position
By formally identifying 27 locations on the official Survey of India map, New Delhi has once again reinforced its position on Arunachal Pradesh. India's latest move shows that it will continue to use its own official geographical names for locations within the state.
New Delhi maintains that unilateral attempts to rename places cannot change territorial realities or India's administrative position over Arunachal Pradesh.