📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joint Suffrage Procession Committee(?), restored b
Politics
Congress protests UN map showing Arunachal Pradesh as part of China
✍️ ThePrint
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 04:03 AM
👁 29
The Indian National Congress has lodged a formal objection to a United Nations map that depicts Arunachal Pradesh as belonging to China, calling it a violation of India’s territorial integrity.
New Delhi – The Indian National Congress (INC) issued a statement on Monday condemning a recently released United Nations map that portrays the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China. The party described the depiction as “unacceptable” and a direct challenge to India’s sovereign borders.
Congress leaders said the map contradicts the long‑standing position of the Indian government, which asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the Republic of India under the Simla Agreement and other bilateral accords. They urged the UN to rectify the error and reaffirm the internationally recognised borders.
The objection comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity after China’s recent statements reinforcing its claim over the region. While the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a formal response, officials are expected to raise the issue in upcoming multilateral forums.
Analysts note that the INC’s protest is largely symbolic, aimed at reinforcing domestic political narratives ahead of the next general election. Nevertheless, the move underscores the persistent tension surrounding the disputed border and the importance of accurate cartographic representations in international fora.
The UN has not publicly commented on the specific map in question, but it routinely updates its geographic data based on member states’ submissions. The INC’s demand adds pressure on the organization to ensure that its publications reflect the consensus view of sovereign territories.
Congress leaders said the map contradicts the long‑standing position of the Indian government, which asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the Republic of India under the Simla Agreement and other bilateral accords. They urged the UN to rectify the error and reaffirm the internationally recognised borders.
The objection comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity after China’s recent statements reinforcing its claim over the region. While the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a formal response, officials are expected to raise the issue in upcoming multilateral forums.
Analysts note that the INC’s protest is largely symbolic, aimed at reinforcing domestic political narratives ahead of the next general election. Nevertheless, the move underscores the persistent tension surrounding the disputed border and the importance of accurate cartographic representations in international fora.
The UN has not publicly commented on the specific map in question, but it routinely updates its geographic data based on member states’ submissions. The INC’s demand adds pressure on the organization to ensure that its publications reflect the consensus view of sovereign territories.