India has formally identified and standardised the names of 28 geographical features and strategic locations across Ladakh for inclusion in the official Survey of India map, prompting a sharp reaction from China. The exercise was carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the Ladakh administration.

The newly recognised locations include peaks, mountains, passes, glaciers, land areas, a valley, a lake, a river and other water bodies. According to the government, the objective is to improve accurate identification, strengthen official cartography and enhance public awareness of the region.

China criticised the move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating that Beijing does not recognise the Union Territory of Ladakh and regards India's standardisation of place names as "illegal and invalid". She further asserted China's position regarding the western sector of the disputed boundary.

India has consistently rejected such claims and maintains that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. New Delhi has reiterated that administrative measures concerning these areas do not alter its established position on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Among the locations included in the exercise are Atisha Giri, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir, Martand Giri, Drak Karpo, Jolmori, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri, Zorawar Peak and Maheshvara Ri. The list also covers Chapchingal Pass, Shachmirk Pass, Parpik Glacier, Skamri Glacier, Brangsa Land, Kuksel, Dehra Compass, Gogra, Kumarayana Point, Panglung, Shamal Lungpa, Shkorga Valley, Guru Rinpoche Lake, Yangpa River and Hot Spring.

Several of these sites, particularly Gogra and Hot Spring, gained strategic importance during the eastern Ladakh border stand-off that began in 2020. Both locations were significant friction points between Indian and Chinese forces and remain important for patrolling activities along the Line of Actual Control.

The naming exercise is part of a broader effort to establish clear and standardised geographical references in a sensitive frontier region. By incorporating the 28 locations into official maps, India aims to improve administrative clarity, geographical consistency and territorial documentation.

The development has once again highlighted the continuing differences between New Delhi and Beijing over the unresolved boundary dispute, even as both sides have undertaken disengagement measures in certain areas since the 2020 stand-off.

ANI