India has firmly rejected China’s latest move to assign new names to locations within Indian territory, calling the step a “mischievous attempt” that holds no legitimacy. In an official statement, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said that India “categorically rejects” such actions by Beijing. He stressed that renaming places does not alter the reality that these areas remain an integral part of India.

The response comes after China reportedly released a list of new names for locations in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, a region Beijing claims as part of what it calls “South Tibet.” India has consistently dismissed these claims, asserting its full sovereignty over the state. New Delhi reiterated that such symbolic measures by China are attempts to assert its claims without any legal or historical basis. Officials emphasised that these actions do not change the ground situation or India’s position on the matter.

The issue reflects the broader and long-standing border dispute between India and China, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Tensions between the two countries have persisted in recent years despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks aimed at easing the standoff. India has repeatedly conveyed that while it remains committed to maintaining peace and stability along the border, any unilateral attempts to alter facts on the ground or even through nomenclature are unacceptable.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from Deccan Herald.