Overview

• Shaksgam Valley is a high-altitude, sparsely populated region located in the north of the Siachen Glacier.
• It lies between China’s Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit–Baltistan to the south and west.
• Although legally claimed by India as part of Jammu and Kashmir, the area has been under Chinese control since 1963 following a boundary agreement with Pakistan.

Geographical and Strategic Location

• The valley covers over 5,000 sq km of rugged, glaciated terrain.
• It lies close to key strategic features such as the Siachen Glacier, Indira Col, Aghil Pass, and the Karakoram Pass.
• Its location makes it a critical junction point between India, China, and Pakistan, increasing its strategic sensitivity.

Why Shaksgam Valley Matters for India

• Proximity to Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, makes developments in the valley directly relevant to Indian military posture.
• Control or access to Shaksgam enables monitoring of movements along both the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
• Any infrastructure build-up in the valley can alter the security balance in the western sector of the India–China boundary.

Historical Background

• During the colonial period, the Mir of Hunza exercised control over Shaksgam Valley and surrounding regions.
• In 1936, under British influence, certain northern areas were relinquished, but Shaksgam Valley remained distinct.
• After the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947, the valley legally became Indian territory, though India could not exercise control due to Pakistan’s occupation of nearby areas.

1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement

• In 1963, Pakistan signed a boundary agreement with China, ceding around 5,180 sq km of the Shaksgam Valley.
• India rejected the agreement, stating that Pakistan had no legal authority to transfer territory belonging to India.
• The agreement was termed “provisional”, subject to a final settlement of the Kashmir issue, reinforcing India’s legal position.

China’s Infrastructure Expansion

• China has reportedly built all-weather roads and connectivity routes in and around the valley.
• A road across the Aghil Pass has significantly reduced the distance between Chinese positions and Indian posts in Siachen.
• These developments are viewed as part of China’s broader incremental territorial consolidation strategy, often described as “salami slicing”.

Emerging Two-Front Security Challenge

• Traditionally, India’s military deployment in Siachen was focused primarily on Pakistan.
• Chinese access from the north of Siachen raises the possibility of simultaneous pressure from China and Pakistan.
• This creates a potential two-front contingency in one of the most inhospitable yet strategic regions in the world.

India’s Official Position

• India maintains that Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently stated that the 1963 agreement is illegal and void.
• India has asserted its right to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.

China’s Position and Contradictions

• China claims its activities in the region are legitimate and within its territory.
• At the same time, China describes the Kashmir issue as a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, revealing a policy contradiction.
• Chinese development in Pakistan-occupied areas of Kashmir raises concerns about selective adherence to international norms.

Contemporary Significance

• The valley has gained renewed attention amid India–China military disengagement talks elsewhere, highlighting unresolved tensions in the western sector.
• Infrastructure activity in Shaksgam is closely watched by Indian strategic planners due to its long-term military implications.
• The issue underscores the deep strategic coordination between China and Pakistan, especially in border regions involving India.

Conclusion

Shaksgam Valley represents a convergence of territorial dispute, strategic geography, and great-power rivalry. While legally part of India, its control by China through an agreement with Pakistan has created enduring security challenges. With expanding infrastructure and growing China–Pakistan alignment, the valley remains a critical flashpoint shaping India’s northern and western defence calculus.