Leh : India on Tuesday rejected China’s objection to its decision to assign standardised names to 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh, asserting that the Union Territory is an “integral and inalienable” part of the country.
The response came hours after China strongly opposed the move, claiming that the areas in the western sector of the India-China boundary belonged to it.
“It is reiterated that the UT (Union Territory) of Ladakh is an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of denial by the Chinese side can change this established fact,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Referring to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ October 2 announcement, Jaiswal said the press release was self-explanatory and clarified that the 28 places and geographical features had been identified with standardised names on the official map of the Survey of India in consultation with the Ladakh administration and local stakeholders.
He said the formal identification of these locations on the official map was aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and improving public awareness.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing “strongly opposes” India’s decision to assign standardised names to the locations and geographical features in Ladakh.
“China has never recognised the so-called ‘Union Territory of Ladakh’ unilaterally and illegally established by India, and firmly opposes the so-called ‘standardised names’ publicised by India,” Mao told a media briefing in Beijing.
She described India’s move as “illegal and void” and reiterated China’s claim that the western sector of the India-China boundary belonged to it.
India’s October 2 announcement included several strategically significant locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Gogra and Hot Spring, which emerged as friction points during the 2020 military standoff between the two countries.
The identification of these locations is intended to streamline official cartography and ensure their precise recognition on India’s official maps.
Other places and geographical features included in the list are Alisha Giri, Brangsa, Chapchingal Pass, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir mountain, Kuksel, Martand Giri, Parpik Glacier, Skamri Glacier, Shachmirik Pass, Shkorga Valley and Zorawar Peak.
The list also includes Dehra Compass, Drak Karpo, Jolmori, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Guru Rinpoche, Shamal Lungpa, Yangpa River, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri and Maheshwara Ri.
The eastern Ladakh border standoff began on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Pangong Lake area. The two sides began the disengagement process in 2022, following prolonged military and diplomatic negotiations.
