Archive · 7 Sep 2026
India Seeks Correct Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh Map Depiction
India wants a proposed United Nations world map to show Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of India’s territory.
India recently supported a United Nations resolution about making maps show land areas more accurately.
Some common maps make places far from the Equator look larger than they really are.
Equal-area maps try to preserve the correct relative size of landmasses.
India supported using more accurate maps but did not choose one specific map design.
The resolution mentions the Equal Earth projection as one possible option.
It does not ban the older Mercator projection.
It encourages governments, schools, international organisations and technology companies to explain the limits of flat maps.
India said a proposed United Nations world map must show Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh according to its official map.
India voted for a United Nations resolution promoting more accurate and representative cartographic practices.
The resolution particularly supports wider consideration of equal-area map projections.
India said its vote did not endorse the Equal Earth projection or any specific map projection.
The United Nations said the resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or require its replacement.
- Who
- India and the United Nations, with the resolution introduced by Togo and backed by the African Union.
- What
- India sought an accurate depiction of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on a proposed United Nations world map while supporting broader use of accurate map projections.
- When
- India made the territorial assertion on Sunday after voting on the resolution on Friday.
- Where
- At the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- India said maps should accurately represent sovereign territory and landmass sizes without endorsing one particular projection.
- India’s position
- The proposed United Nations map should depict India’s sovereign territory, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, according to India’s official map.
- Resolution sponsor
- The resolution was introduced by Togo and backed by the African Union.
- India’s vote
- India voted in favour of the resolution on Friday.
- Map focus
- The resolution promotes more accurate and representative cartographic practices, particularly equal-area projections.
- Equal Earth
- The resolution cites the Equal Earth projection, developed in 2018.
- Mercator projection
- The resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement.