New Delhi: India officially names 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh in a significant move aimed at strengthening administrative recognition of locations within the border state. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the official naming of 27 geographical features and places on the Survey of India (SoI) maps. The decision comes amid China’s repeated attempts to rename locations in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing refers to as “South Tibet.”
The Indian government has reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India and that unilateral attempts to rename places do not alter the reality on the ground.
Why Has India Named 27 Places in Arunachal Pradesh
The Ministry of Home Affairs said the newly assigned names have been officially included in the Survey of India maps. According to the government, the objective is to improve accurate identification, public awareness, governance, and administrative recognition of these locations. Officials described the move as a response to China’s repeated efforts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh over the past few years.
India China Arunachal Pradesh Land Dispute: Government Reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh Is Part of India
India has consistently rejected China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has repeatedly stated that Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will remain an integral part of India. Government officials also said that changing names on foreign maps does not affect India’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
India China Arunachal Pradesh Land Dispute: List of the 27 Newly Named Places
The newly identified locations include land areas, mountain passes, a lake, and a memorial. Some of the officially named places are:
- Longju
- Maja
- Bisa
- Dzo La
- Riza La
- Pukur La
- Thag La
- Sambho Sarovar
- Bara Kundun
- Chhota Kundun
- Dhan Bari
- Pritnagar
- Buddhamandir
- Jairampur
- Teritnagar
- Ramnagar
- Jaswant Garh
- Sagar
- Padma
- Jyotinagar
- Baisakhi
- Sher-e-Thapa Memorial
- Chhota Ropuk
- Bara Ropuk
- Shivaji Nagar
- Sunpura
- Kamlang Nagar
What is the Importance of Survey of India Recognition
Experts say that when a location is officially identified and recorded on Survey of India maps, it gains administrative and governance significance. The move also helps improve mapping accuracy, disaster management planning, infrastructure development, and official documentation.
India China Arunachal Pradesh Land Dispute: China’s Renaming Attempts
China has repeatedly released lists of renamed locations in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territorial claims. India has consistently rejected these actions and stated that assigning invented names does not change the fact that Arunachal Pradesh remains part of India. The issue continues to be one of the key points of disagreement between the two countries.
What is the Importance of Arunachal Pradesh for India
Arunachal Pradesh shares a long border with China and is strategically important for India’s national security. The state has witnessed significant infrastructure development in recent years, including roads, bridges, airfields, and border connectivity projects. Officials believe that stronger administrative recognition of locations can support governance and development in remote border regions.
What the Government Said
In its official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the naming exercise aims to facilitate accurate recognition of geographical locations and increase public awareness. The government stressed that these names will now be reflected on official Survey of India maps and records.
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