युवा आवेग

The Shaksgam Valley, a strategically significant area in Jammu and Kashmir's trans-Karakoram region, is once again under Indian sovereignty. The claim comes after China and Pakistan's territorial alignments and infrastructural development in the region have received more geopolitical attention. India's position draws attention to the historical illegality of Pakistan's rule over the valley as well as the wider ramifications for border security, international law, and regional stability.

260.1) What is the Shaksgam Valley?

North of the Siachen Glacier, the Shaksgam Valley, also called the Trans-Karakoram Tract, is roughly 5,180 square kilometres in size. It has borders with Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and China's Xinjiang region.

The valley was historically a part of Jammu and Kashmir, a former princely state that formally joined India in 1947. However, as part of the Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement, Pakistan gave over the valley to China in 1963. India has repeatedly deemed this to be unlawful since Pakistan lacked the sovereign right to transfer Indian territory.

260.2) Why is India Reasserting its Claim Now?

India's reaffirmed claim coincides with:

Increased China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects that cross disputed areas; increased Chinese military and logistical infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC); improved geopolitical coordination between Beijing and Islamabad; and growing worries about the militarisation of the Karakoram corridor

China is building roads, tunnels, and logistics hubs near the Shaksgam region, according to new satellite images and reports. This has alarmed New Delhi about strategic encirclement and forward military deployment.

260.3) Legal Position of India

India insists that:

The Shaksgam Valley is still an essential component of the Union Territory of Ladakh; Pakistan cannot lawfully negotiate on Indian territory; and the 1963 Sino-Pakistan agreement is illegal under international law.

The 1947 Instrument of Accession and the 1994 Indian Parliament decision, which proclaimed Pakistan-occupied regions to be integral portions of India, both support this stance.

260.4) Strategic Importance

Geopolitically, Shaksgam Valley is crucial because it

Completes the China-Pakistan strategic depth corridor; Gives China possible access routes towards the Siachen Glacier; Facilitates quicker military mobilisation between Xinjiang and Gilgit-Baltistan; Enhances Beijing-Islamabad military integration

Adversarial forces might endanger India's northern fortifications and weaken its hold over Ladakh if they gain control of this region.

260.5) India's Diplomatic Response

India has officially:

Raised concerns in international forums; Reiterated that any construction by other parties in the region is unlawful; Declared that territorial integrity is non-negotiable; Issued diplomatic representations against Chinese activity in the region

In order to offset advances across the border, India has likewise increased force personnel and infrastructure in Ladakh.

260.6) Regional and Global Implications

India's reaffirmation affects:

Himalayan border stability; China-Pakistan territorial cooperation's legitimacy; upcoming border talks with China; and Indo-Pacific strategic alliances

It makes it clear that New Delhi would not accept faits accomplis brought about by the development of infrastructure in areas that are under dispute.

260.7) Conclusion

India is making it very evident that territorial integrity, international law, and sovereignty are still at the heart of its national security philosophy by reiterating its claim to the Shaksgam Valley. The Shaksgam Valley has become an important frontier influencing the future geopolitical struggle in the high Himalayas as China-Pakistan strategic coordination intensifies.

The matter highlights the fact that India is steadfast in upholding its legitimate claims and that unresolved territorial disputes remain hotspots in South Asia's shifting power dynamics.

Team Yuva Aaveg-

Adarsh Tiwari

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