World · India Bureau
India insists UN maps must reflect J&K, Ladakh boundaries
New Delhi has clarified that any UN-backed world map initiative must depict Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to India's official cartography. The statement comes after India's support for a UN General Assembly resolution on improving global map accuracy.
LSN India ·
India has made clear its expectation that any world map produced under UN auspices must conform to the country's official depiction of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as Union Territories. The Ministry of External Affairs warned that representations deemed inaccurate or misleading will not be acceptable to New Delhi.
The position was articulated by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal following India's affirmative vote on a UN General Assembly resolution adopted on September 4. Titled "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa," the resolution seeks to improve the accuracy of global map projections, particularly regarding continental landmass representation.
New Delhi emphasized that its support for the resolution does not constitute acceptance of any particular map, projection, or depiction of national boundaries that diverges from Indian standards. The MEA stressed that India voted in favour while underscoring the principle of promoting equal-area cartographic representation.
The clarification reflects India's consistent stance on cartographic sovereignty, ensuring that internationally recognized maps align with the country's constitutional and administrative boundaries as recognized by the Indian government.