The Indian government on August 7, 2026, released the official names of 27 places and geographical locations located along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh. These names are recorded on Survey of India maps. This move is seen as a response to China’s attempts to change the names of dozens of places in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.
According to the Home Ministry, the purpose is to strengthen India’s sovereignty and legal rights and to create a proper public identity for these sites. These 27 sites include 21 land areas, four passes, a lake, and a monument.
Which places have been renamed?
The landlocked areas are Longju, Maja, Bisa, Bara Kundun, Chhota Kundun, Dhan Bari, Preetnagar, Budhmandir, Jairampur, Teritnagar, Ramnagar, Jaswant Garh, Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar, Baisakhi, Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar, Sunpura and Kamlang Nagar.
The Jo La, Riza La, Pukur La, and Thag La passes have been renamed. The Sambho Sarovar lake and a memorial have been named the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial. Also included is the village of Longju, which has been under Chinese occupation since 1959 but falls within India’s claimed territory.
Why does China lay claim to Arunachal Pradesh?
Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, but China calls it South Tibet and claims the entire state. Over the past few years, China has repeatedly issued “standardized names” for rivers, mountains, villages, and other places in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2017, 2021, 2023, 2024, and most recently in April 2026, China announced new names for dozens of places. In April 2026 alone, China changed the names of 23 places.
What is India’s stand?
India immediately protested, stating that these fictitious names do not alter any claims to Indian territory. India’s new move is seen as a direct response to these efforts by China. According to officials, its purpose is to strengthen India’s sovereignty and bring clarity to the maps.
Why is this step necessary?
China often exploits ambiguity by using fictitious names. India has strengthened its claim by including these areas on official maps. Map designations facilitate land records, censuses, revenue, road construction, and infrastructure planning. The government now argues that the public will know the true identity of these areas. India is clearly stating that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain a part of India. China’s efforts will not make any difference.
What is China doing?
China regularly changes the names of places in Arunachal Pradesh. China occasionally issues stapled visas to Arunachal residents. In November 2025, an Arunachali woman was stopped at Shanghai airport on the grounds that her Indian passport was not valid. India strongly protested this. India’s position has always been clear that these places belonged to India, remain so, and will always remain so.
Will Arunachal Pradesh become a battlefield?
Relations between India and China reached a low point following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Tensions along the Line of Actual Control persisted for more than four years. Both countries are now attempting to normalize relations and are engaged in talks to resolve the border dispute. Whenever China makes such claims, India becomes uncomfortable. India has repeatedly stated that China should refrain from such actions.