China's Assertion on Shaksgam Valley Road Meets India's Firm Rejection
The Chinese Foreign Office has recently declared that the construction of a road in the Shaksgam Valley is entirely legitimate, asserting it falls within Chinese territory. This development occurs in an area adjacent to the strategically vital Siachen Glacier, raising significant geopolitical tensions.
Historical Context of the Disputed Territory
It is crucial to note that the Shaksgam Valley, claimed by China, is under what India terms as 'illegal occupation.' This region was ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963 as part of a boundary settlement, a move India has never recognized. The valley spans approximately 5,180 square kilometers and borders China's Xinjiang province.
China shares boundaries with 14 countries and has resolved disputes with 12 on its own terms. The ongoing disputes involve India and Bhutan. Following the 1962 conflict, Pakistan opted to settle its border with China by gifting the Shaksgam Valley, which was under its illegal control at the time.
Background of Gilgit-Baltistan and Accession
Historically, the Gilgit Agency, now known as Gilgit-Baltistan, was part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. It acceded to India on October 26, 1947, through the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh. However, due to political turmoil and a bloodless coup led by Major William Brown in November 1947, the region fell into Pakistani hands by 1948.
India maintains that Gilgit-Baltistan is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and rightfully Indian territory. The Karachi Agreement of 1949, which demarcated boundaries up to NJ 9842, has been misinterpreted by Pakistan, contributing to the Siachen conflict near the Shaksgam Valley.
Strategic Importance and Chinese Ambitions
China has long sought access to the Indian Ocean, leveraging Pakistan to secure routes through the Khunjerab Pass via Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar. This ambition led to the joint construction of the Karakoram Highway along the old Silk Route, completed in 1986 after two decades of work.
In response, India occupied the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984, to assert sovereignty. The 76-km-long glacier, the second longest outside polar regions, lies about 40-50 km from Chinese activities near the Aghil Pass in Shaksgam Valley.
Current Developments and Indian Stance
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) alignment follows the Karakoram Highway, with recent infrastructure upgrades including a 170-km four-lane road from Gilgit to Skardu, now hosting an international airport. This enhances connectivity in the Karakoram range, home to peaks like K2.
On January 9, 2026, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated that Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. He emphasized that India has never recognized the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary agreement, deeming it illegal and invalid. India also rejects CPEC, which passes through Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation.
India has consistently protested Chinese attempts to alter ground realities in Shaksgam Valley and reserves the right to safeguard its interests. In a rebuttal on January 12, 2026, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning reaffirmed territorial claims, stating Chinese projects in the area are 'beyond reproach.'
Territorial Statistics and Broader Implications
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir covered 222,236 square kilometers. India controls 106,566 sq km (48%), Pakistan illegally occupies 86,297 sq km (35%, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir), and China holds 42,735 sq km (17%, including Shaksgam Valley). This division highlights ongoing disputes and regional instability.
The strategic necessity for India to occupy Siachen Glacier is underscored by Pakistan's proximity—able to access the glacier in one day versus India's two to seven days. Vacating the glacier could allow Pakistan, with better connectivity, to occupy the Saltoro Ridge and potentially collaborate with China.
This situation underscores the complex interplay of historical claims, strategic interests, and diplomatic tensions in South Asia, with India firmly standing by its sovereignty over Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as integral parts of the nation.
