India names 27 Arunachal sites near LAC, countering China's map moves
The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially assigned names to 27 previously unnamed locations in Arunachal Pradesh, a move widely viewed as a step to counter China's practice of naming geographical features in the region. Most of these sites are in districts adjacent to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such as Upper Subansiri, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey.
The new names derive from local usage and the languages of indigenous tribal communities. They are intended to standardise official records, maps, and signages, while also reinforcing India's administrative presence in the border belt. Officials said the selection was made after consultation with local representatives and adherence to existing nomenclature traditions.
The action comes against the backdrop of China's long-standing claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as 'South Tibet' and depicts as part of its territory in official maps. Beijing has also assigned Chinese names to several towns and landmarks in the region, a practice New Delhi has repeatedly rejected.
Several of the newly named locations hold strategic importance because of their proximity to the LAC, where Indian and Chinese forces have faced off since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. While tensions have eased through multiple diplomatic and military dialogues, both countries continue to strengthen infrastructure and administrative mechanisms to back their respective positions.
Standardised names will help in smoother identification during defence and administrative operations, and enable better coordination among agencies like the Survey of India and local district administrations. The central government has directed that the new names be used in all official communication, maps, and public signage.
Local people have welcomed the move, noting that it respects the traditional names used for generations. The decision also aligns with the government's broader effort to preserve the cultural heritage of border communities and to assert the constitutional and territorial integrity of the state.
Analysts describe the step as symbolic yet significant in what is often called the 'map war' between the two countries. They point out that naming exercises do not alter the ground situation, but they do serve as markers of sovereignty and administrative jurisdiction. The resolution of the underlying border dispute remains dependent on sustained dialogue and mutual consent.
India and China share a nearly 3,500-kilometre border, with the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh being one of the most sensitive stretches. The two sides have held several rounds of talks to restore peace and stability, but a comprehensive settlement has not yet been reached.
The official list of 27 names has not been made public yet, but sources indicate that the names are drawn from local dialects and reflect the region's rich ethnic diversity. The move is part of a continuing series of administrative actions intended to reinforce India's position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country.
