Siachen: 40 years of Op Meghdoot

Context: April 13, 2024 marks four decades since the Indian Army pre-empted Pakistan and occupied the Siachen glacier

Siachen glacier(World’s highest and coldest battlefield) :

• It is on the Saltoro ridge, overlooking the Nubra valley in the Karakoram ranges.
• The origin of dispute dates back to Partition between India and Pakistan.
• The LoC was delineated up to NJ-9842 in the 1972 Shimla agreement.
• The glacier itself was left unmarked, leading to a dispute over ownership.
• India claims the area based on the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949.
• Pakistan interprets the ceasefire line differently, seeking control beyond Siachen for strategic connectivity.

Strategic significance of Siachen:

• Vital for India’s security, especially Ladakh and the Leh-Srinagar highway.
• Potential of collusive threats from both China and Pakistan.
• Siachen overlooks the Shaksgam valley, part of POK, ceded to China in 1963.
• Recent tensions, such as the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh.

      Conclusion:

• Siachen and Sir Creek are considered “low-hanging fruits” in the India-Pakistan conflict.
• Demilitarization discussions have occurred at the level of Defence Secretaries but have faced hurdles.
• Recent tensions, including the 2020 standoff with China in Eastern Ladakh, has further complicated Siachen’s settlement.

Source: Indian Express