India backs ‘Equal Earth’ map at UN, but warns against inaccurate depiction of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh | India News - Hindustan Times

**India Backs “Equal Earth” Map at UN While Cautioning on Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh Depiction**

New York – On 23 September, India announced its support for the United Nations‑endorsed “Equal Earth” map—a projection that seeks to present a more proportionally accurate view of the world’s continents. The move aligns with a broader UN campaign to replace distorted cartographic conventions, such as the Mercator projection that has long exaggerated the size of high‑latitude regions while shrinking Africa and parts of the Global South. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the initiative, noting that a scientifically sound global map can enhance geographic literacy, climate‑data analysis, and international cooperation on sustainable development goals.

At the same time, the MEA issued a diplomatic reminder that any depiction of the union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh must adhere to India’s official boundaries as defined in the Constitution and the 2020 reorganisation order. In a statement released ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s 80th session, Indian officials warned that maps deviating from these parameters would be deemed “inaccurate” and could undermine the country’s sovereign claims. The clarification comes after several commercial and academic map providers have produced versions of the Equal Earth projection that either omit the Line of Control or depict the disputed region in a manner inconsistent with India’s stance.

The United Nations, through its Cartographic Section, has urged member states to adopt the Equal Earth projection for future UN publications, emphasizing that it “corrects the long‑standing misrepresentation of Africa, South America and other regions.” While the resolution garnered broad support—including from the United States, the European Union, and many African nations—India’s conditional endorsement underscores the delicate balance between championing a more equitable visual representation of the planet and safeguarding national territorial integrity. Observers note that India’s participation may set a precedent for other countries with contested borders to seek similar assurances in future global mapping standards.