A new United Nations world map has depicted Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as separate regions between the competing claim lines of India and China, drawing attention in India. New Delhi maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and Aksai Chin is part of Ladakh.
The map was first released on July 1 as discussions were underway on a UN General Assembly resolution titled “Correct the Map”. It shows Arunachal Pradesh as a separate state, with Assam and China on either side, and removes its boundary with Nagaland. Aksai Chin is similarly shown as a separate region, with India to its west and China to its east. The UN has not explained the changes.
Map also depicts LoC
Jammu and Kashmir is shown with a dotted line indicating the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. A note states that the line represents approximately the LoC agreed upon by the two countries and that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not been agreed upon.
The UN General Assembly last week adopted the African Union-backed “Correct the Map” resolution, which seeks more accurate and equitable cartographic representation, particularly of Africa.
MEA clarifies India’s vote
At a press briefing on Tuesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India supported the resolution because it promotes equal-area cartographic representation and does not endorse any particular map or depiction of national boundaries.
He said equal-area maps give greater weight to preserving the relative sizes of continental landmasses. India had also clarified during the resolution’s adoption that its vote did not amount to approval of any map produced by a private party or specific entity.
Jaiswal stressed that India’s sovereign territory, including the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, must be depicted according to India’s official map. “Any inaccurate or misleading depiction is unacceptable,” he said, adding that India’s position on sovereignty and territorial integrity remains “clear, consistent and non-negotiable.”
India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Aksai Chin, have always been an integral and inalienable part of India, while Arunachal Pradesh is also an integral part of Indian territory. (With inputs from agencies)
