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International
UN World Map Sparks Outcry Over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin Depiction
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 05:33 PM
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The United Nations' latest world map has drawn criticism from India after it shows Arunachal Pradesh as part of China and places Aksai Chin within Chinese borders.
The United Nations released an updated world map this week that depicts the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh within Chinese territory and shows the disputed Aksai Chin region as part of China. The map, circulated among UN member states for reference in diplomatic and statistical work, follows the agency's standard cartographic conventions but has ignited a diplomatic row with New Delhi.
India's Ministry of External Affairs lodged an official protest, stating that the representation violates the country's sovereign integrity and contravenes the long‑standing position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. The ministry urged the UN to correct the error and align the map with internationally recognised borders.
The United Nations, through its Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, responded that the map is intended solely for informational purposes and does not reflect any political stance. It said the depiction was based on data supplied by member states and that revisions can be made if concerns are raised. The episode underscores the sensitivity of cartographic representations in regions claimed by both India and China.
India's Ministry of External Affairs lodged an official protest, stating that the representation violates the country's sovereign integrity and contravenes the long‑standing position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. The ministry urged the UN to correct the error and align the map with internationally recognised borders.
The United Nations, through its Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, responded that the map is intended solely for informational purposes and does not reflect any political stance. It said the depiction was based on data supplied by member states and that revisions can be made if concerns are raised. The episode underscores the sensitivity of cartographic representations in regions claimed by both India and China.