India Names 27 Arunachal Pradesh Sites, China Calls Move 'Illegal'
India's formal identification of 27 locations in the disputed region has sparked a sharp response from China, which claims the area as its own territory and has standardized 112 names for locations since 2017
India has formally named 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh, prompting a sharp response from China, which claims the region as its territory and has called the move 'illegal, null and void'. The 27 locations include land, passes, a lake, and a monument in the border state.
The list of 27 locations includes Long Ju, Maja, Bisa village, Dzo La, Riza La, and Pukur La. India's Ministry of Home Affairs said the Survey of India had issued standard names for the locations to ensure 'accurate recognition' and improve public awareness of their geographical and historical significance.
The exercise covers strategically and historically important locations, including Thag La, where one of the opening battles between Indian and Chinese forces took place in 1962. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, saying nothing can change this indisputable reality.
## What's at stake The move is significant as it comes amid ongoing tensions between India and China over the disputed region. China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as 'Zangnan' and does not recognize India's sovereignty over the region. The formal identification of the 27 locations is seen as a move by India to assert its claim over the region.
## China's response China has slammed India's move, saying it is 'self-deception' that could complicate efforts to properly handle border issues. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also said that China does not recognize Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has released six batches of standardized names for locations in the region since 2017, with a total of 112 names announced as of April 2026.
The dispute over Arunachal Pradesh is a long-standing one, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the region. The move by India to formally identify the 27 locations is likely to escalate tensions between the two countries, at least in the short term. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
## Why it matters The dispute over Arunachal Pradesh is not just a border issue, but also has implications for the broader relationship between India and China. The two countries have been working to improve their ties in recent years, but the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh remains a major sticking point. The move by India to formally identify the 27 locations is a significant development in this context, and it will be important to watch how the situation develops in the coming days and weeks.
