India has officially recognized the 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh as per their usual Indian names on the map of the country. This is significant not only for the mapping purposes but also from other perspectives, since China continues to try giving its names to the places in Arunachal Pradesh, which China considers to be its territory known as South Tibet or Zangnan.
The 27 places have been officially named on August 7, 2026, by the Indian government. In this list, one can find both geographical places and those related to India’s military history. In particular, there are two monuments erected in memory of the soldiers of the 1962 India-China war, including the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, named after Havildar Shere Thapa, a hero of that time.
472.1) A response to China's Renaming Campaign
The timing of the Indian decision is of particular significance. China has tried many times in the past to give alternative names to locations in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territorial claim over the region. In April 2026, India categorically refused another attempt by China to give “fictitious names” to the locations in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that it is an integral part of India.
However, the naming campaign by China is not new. China has published several lists containing alternative names of the places in Arunachal Pradesh over the years. For example, in the 2025 exercise, China gave names to 27 different places that included mountains, passes, rivers, lakes and even populated areas. India termed the exercise as “vain and preposterous,” saying that renaming does not change the territorial situation.
In view of the above, the present Indian decision is, in fact, an act of reciprocation through cartography – if one uses place names as an indicator of territorial claim, then the other uses cartographic exercise as well.
472.2) Why place names matter?
While maps may be thought of as being impartial geographical sources, in territorial conflicts, they can serve as political tools. Names show which government recognizes, controls, and exercises sovereignty over the concerned territory.
The Chinese side considers Arunachal Pradesh to be part of “South Tibet,” claiming a significant portion of the state. On the other hand, India considers Arunachal Pradesh to be an integral part of its territory. The conflict regarding names is thus related to the more significant conflict between India and China.
The eastern sector of the India-China border is very sensitive, especially when it comes to the McMahon Line, which India views as the basis of the border in the eastern sector. China rejects the McMahon Line, challenging India’s territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh.
472.3) Beyond Symbolism
However, naming of locations in itself is not an action that can cause any changes in the actual physical location of the border. In any case, the choice of India has its own strategic considerations in the form of increased emphasis on development of infrastructure, connectivity, and administrative presence along the border. Programs like the Vibrant Villages initiative have also been launched to improve the living conditions along India’s northern border.
By including memorials that mark the places which have connections with India's past in terms of the 1962 war, the latest naming campaign also has historical dimensions attached to it.
472.4) A battle of maps, narratives, sovereignty
But the row between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh extends beyond just a difference of terminology. The constant naming of the various locations shows how geography, diplomacy, and national identity could meet at times.
Any attempts by China to come up with alternate names are meant to make its point about territory. India’s official naming of the location(s), on the other hand, is supposed to make its point. But neither of the two alone has anything to do with changing any physical border lines. However, maps and names shape the way territories are perceived.
To New Delhi, it is evident that territorial sovereignty does not depend upon who names the particular place first or more often. Through officially designating 27 places using their names in India, India yet again uses geography to reiterate its stand about Arunachal Pradesh being an integral part of India.
Team Yuva Aaveg-
Adarsh Tiwari
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