NEW DELHI: India has asserted that any proposed world map initiated by the United Nations must accurately depict the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in line with the country’s official cartography, stating that any inaccurate or misleading representation would be deemed unacceptable.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that this stance was articulated by India two days after it voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution aimed at fostering a more accurate global cartographic representation, with a particular focus on equitable depiction of continents.
UN Resolution on Cartography
The resolution, titled “Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World’s Regions, Particularly Africa,” was adopted on September 4. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India’s vote in favour of the resolution was accompanied by an explanation of vote, emphasizing the underlying principle of promoting equal-area cartographic representation.
Jaiswal was responding to media queries regarding the issue. He stressed that the resolution itself does not constitute an endorsement of any specific map, projection, or depiction of national boundaries. “India voted in favour of the resolution and also made an explanation of vote stressing on the underlying principle of promoting equal – area cartographic representation,” he stated.
India’s Territorial Integrity Stressed
The spokesperson unequivocally stated, “India’s sovereign territory, including the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, must be depicted in accordance with India’s official map. Any inaccurate or misleading depiction is unacceptable.” He further emphasized that India’s position on its sovereignty and territorial integrity is “clear, consistent and non-negotiable.”
The core objective of the UN resolution, as explained by Jaiswal, is to encourage the adoption of equal-area map projections that preserve the relative sizes of continental landmasses. He further elaborated that the resolution does not adopt or authenticate any particular world map, nor does it delve into political cartography, encompassing aspects such as international boundaries, disputed territories, or place names.
The resolution, which was sponsored by Togo, garnered significant support, with 164 votes cast in favour. However, several countries abstained, including Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. The United States cast the sole vote against the resolution.
The Chenab Times News Desk