India on Tuesday rejected China’s objection to its decision to assign standardised names to 28 places 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 opposed the move, claiming that the areas in question belonged to it. The Ministry of Home Affairs had announced the standardised names on October 2, including those of key border friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), such as Gogra and Hot Spring.
“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,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Referring to the Home Ministry’s announcement, Jaiswal said the 28 places and geographical features had been identified using standardised names on the official Survey of India map in consultation with the Ladakh administration and local stakeholders.
The exercise, he said, was intended to facilitate accurate identification of the locations and improve public awareness.
China Calls India’s Move ‘Illegal and Invalid’
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing had never recognised the Union Territory of Ladakh, which she described as having been established “unilaterally and illegally” by India.
“China firmly opposes India’s announcement of so-called standard names,” Mao said at a media briefing in Beijing.
She described the move as “illegal and invalid”, arguing that it could not change China’s claim over the relevant areas in the western sector of the China-India boundary.
India rejected Beijing’s position, reiterating its claim over Ladakh.
Gogra, Hot Spring Among 28 Locations
The list includes Gogra and Hot Spring, two locations that became significant friction points during the 2020 military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. Both are important to patrolling along the LAC.
Other locations identified by India include 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.
Shamal Lungpa was described as a patrol and staging route used in the 1950s.
According to the Indian government, the standardisation exercise is aimed at streamlining official maps and ensuring consistent identification of geographical features in the region.
Eastern Ladakh Standoff Began in 2020
The border standoff in eastern Ladakh began on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops near Pangong Lake. The confrontation led to a prolonged military deployment along the disputed border.
Both sides began the disengagement process in 2022, although the boundary dispute remains unresolved.
