Rahul Gandhi Asserts Awareness Across Ladakh About China’s Recent Map Release”

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, has called for a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding China’s unveiling of a map asserting its sovereignty over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. India has firmly rejected these claims. On Monday, China revealed a new “official” map that includes Aksai Chin, which China occupied during the 1962 conflict, and Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as South Tibet, within its territory. This map also designates the entire South China Sea as part of China’s territory, as it did in previous versions.

“I’ve been consistently saying for years that the Prime Minister’s statement claiming that not a single inch of land was lost in Ladakh is false. The entire Ladakh region is well aware that China has crossed our borders. This map situation is highly significant. They have encroached upon our land. The Prime Minister should address this matter,” Rahul Gandhi remarked before departing for Karnataka.

“China has been releasing maps that include territories that aren’t theirs. This is a longstanding pattern. By merely depicting Indian territory on their maps, it doesn’t alter reality in any way. Our government is resolute about our territorial integrity. Making baseless claims doesn’t grant ownership of others’ territories,” Mr. Jaishankar told to a news channel.

India has lodged diplomatic protests against the “official” map.

“We dismiss these claims as they lack any foundation. China’s actions like this only complicate the process of resolving our boundary concerns,” stated Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

This map’s emergence coincides with a critical period as India prepares for the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9-10.

During a meeting at the BRICS summit in South Africa this month, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to actively reduce tensions along the entire Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In early April, China announced new Chinese names for 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India rejected these name changes, affirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and that assigning fictional names does not change the fact that the northeastern state is governed by India.

This release from China’s civil affairs ministry marks the third addition, following the initial six places revealed in 2017 and the subsequent 15 places unveiled in 2021.

Relations between India and China became significantly strained due to the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, which commenced in May 2020. Subsequently, troops from both nations have been engaged in a prolonged confrontation for over three years, despite several discussions aimed at de-escalation.