New Delhi, Aug 9 : India has updated its official map of Arunachal Pradesh, giving greater prominence to strategically and historically significant passes, lakes, settlements and sites linked to the 1962 India-China war.
The cartographic update comes at a significant time as India prepares to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, with Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend. The India-China boundary remains disputed, even as both sides work towards cautiously stabilising bilateral ties.
The updated map formally identifies 27 locations and geographical features, including four mountain passes — Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La and Thag La — as well as Sambho Sarovar and several settlements.
Thag La holds particular strategic significance due to its association with the opening phase of the 1962 India-China conflict. Locations such as Longju, Jaswant Garh and the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial also carry historical and military significance.
The move does not represent any change in India’s territorial boundaries, but provides greater visibility to locations that New Delhi considers part of its territory. Officials have maintained that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and rejected China’s claims over the state.
The map update also comes against the backdrop of China’s repeated attempts to assign Chinese names to locations in Arunachal Pradesh, an exercise India has consistently rejected.
The development follows recent India-China border talks, during which both sides discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), along with broader issues related to border management and cooperation.
With Xi’s expected visit to India for the BRICS Summit, the updated map adds another layer to the diplomatic backdrop. While New Delhi and Beijing are seeking to improve engagement, the unresolved boundary dispute remains a key challenge in the relationship.
India is currently holding the BRICS presidency and is expected to use the summit to highlight cooperation among emerging economies, while bilateral discussions with China could focus on maintaining stability along the border and strengthening diplomatic communication.
