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Relevance: GS-II (International Relations) | GS-III (Security) | Source: The Hindu
The Context: Borders are not just fought over with guns; they are also fought over with maps. Recently, India officially standardized the names of 28 geographical spots in Ladakh. China immediately protested, calling the move “illegal.” This cartographic (map-making) warfare is the latest diplomatic spark in a region that has seen heavy military standoffs for years.
1. The Name Game: What Exactly Happened?
To cement its territorial reality on paper, the Indian government updated its official maps, which did not sit well with Beijing.
- India’s Move: The Survey of India officially named 28 physical features in Ladakh (including peaks, glaciers, rivers, and passes). Many of these spots are right next to Patrolling Point 15 (PP-15), a highly sensitive area where Indian and Chinese troops faced off for years after the deadly 2020 Galwan clash.
- China’s Anger: China firmly rejected this, stating they have “never recognized” Ladakh as a Union Territory. They are still actively protesting India’s 2019 decision to remove Article 370 and split Jammu & Kashmir, claiming it illegally alters Chinese territory in the western sector.
- India’s Reply: New Delhi bluntly brushed off Beijing’s complaints, reminding them that Ladakh is an inseparable part of India. Naming these places simply helps citizens and administrators understand their own geography better.
2. The Bigger Picture: Tit-for-Tat Warfare
This argument breaks a relatively quiet period of two years since the two nations started repairing their travel and diplomatic links.
- Paper Assertions: Both countries play this game constantly. By officially naming rivers, mountains, and administrative zones on their respective maps, both India and China try to build a historical and legal “paper trail” to strengthen their claims over disputed border areas.
Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding India’s mapping authority and constitutional provisions:
- The Survey of India, which is responsible for preparing the official topographical maps of the country, functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to form a new State or alter the boundaries and names of existing States.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Hint: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Survey of India is a scientific organization that functions under the Department of Science & Technology, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is correct; Article 3 grants Parliament the authority to alter state boundaries and names, a power utilized during the 2019 reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir.
Hint: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Survey of India is a scientific organization that functions under the Department of Science & Technology, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is correct; Article 3 grants Parliament the authority to alter state boundaries and names, a power utilized during the 2019 reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir.
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