Abhinand New Delhi: Following the military disengagement in Eastern Ladakh, a new dispute is brewing between India and China over the Shaksg...
Abhinand
New Delhi: Following the military disengagement in Eastern Ladakh, a new dispute is brewing between India and China over the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. India reiterates that this 5,000-square-kilometer region, illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963, is an integral part of the country. The roads being constructed here by China as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have raised serious concerns for India.
Located in the Eastern Karakoram ranges near the Siachen Glacier, this area is strategically vital. It shares borders with China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to the south and west. This region provides direct access to the Siachen Glacier and the Karakoram Pass.
With the completion of the 75-km road China is building through the Shaksgam sector, China from the north and Pakistan from the south will be able to exert simultaneous pressure on India in Siachen.
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Historical Context
After Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in October 1947, the Shaksgam Valley legally became Indian territory. However, Pakistan forcibly occupied the area. In 1963, through a border agreement with China, Pakistan ceded 5,180 square kilometers of this land to China. India has never recognized this agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the region is part of Indian territory and that necessary measures will be taken to protect the nation's interests.
Rejecting India's objections, China claims its construction activities are "beyond reproach." India points out China's hypocrisy: while China argues that Kashmir is a bilateral dispute, it continues strategic development in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The 'Salami Slicing' Threat
According to geostrategist Dr. Brahma Chellaney, China's road construction poses a massive threat to India's position in Siachen. It could create a situation where India faces two enemies simultaneously on the world's highest battlefield. Chellaney uses the term 'Salami Slicing' to describe China's tactic of slowly occupying a neighbor’s land in small pieces—building roads and structures step-by-step rather than declaring a full-scale war at once.
Currently, India faces the Pakistani army on the southern side of Siachen. However, with China's new roads through Shaksgam, there will be an enemy presence on the northern side (near points like Indira Col) as well. Experts refer to this as a "Two-Front War" threat.
In 1963, Pakistan President Ayub Khan gave this land to China with the intent to weaken India. By gifting land that was not theirs (part of PoK), Pakistan strengthened its bond with China. Today, China exerts significant influence in this region through the CPEC project.
President Droupadi Murmu at the Siachen Base Camp
India’s Vigilance and Defense
India is closely monitoring China’s construction using drones and satellites. In the Ladakh region, roads and tunnels are being built at a rapid pace to ensure Indian troops can reach the border quickly. India is also questioning China's illegal incursions at international forums like the G20.
What is CPEC? The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a part of China's ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative.' It aims to connect China's Xinjiang province to the Gwadar port in Balochistan, Pakistan, providing China direct access to the Arabian Sea. Since this project passes through PoK, India views it as an infringement on its sovereignty. The Shaksgam road is likely to become a sub-branch of CPEC.
Historically, Shaksgam was part of the small kingdom of Hunza. The British took control in 1891, and it thereafter came under the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir (Maharaja Hari Singh). Although Pakistan ceded it to China, the agreement stated the handover was valid only until the Kashmir issue was resolved. However, China now treats the area as its own territory.
Indian Army patrolling the Siachen Glacier
Tactical Advantage
On the Siachen Glacier, India holds higher positions, giving it a tactical advantage over both Pakistan and China. Since 1984, India has controlled most of the heights, which helps in monitoring Chinese moves in Shaksgam. Strong surveillance has been established at the strategic Indira Col point.
In addition to physical presence, India utilizes:
MQ-9B Predator Drones: Purchased from the US to collect data from high altitudes.
GSAT-7A Satellite: Provides 24-hour monitoring of road construction and military movements.
Infrastructure: The DSDBO Road (Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie) is critical for defense. Tunnels like the Shinku La Tunnel ensure all-weather access for the military.
The Mountain Strike Corps, specially prepared for counter-attacks in the Himalayas, is on high alert. Thousands of additional troops have been deployed in the region following the Ladakh standoff. While China's moves in Shaksgam are a tactic to encircle India from the north, India is fully prepared to defend itself using its military and technological strength.
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