India Lodges Protest Against China's Activity in Shaksgam Valley; Reserves Right to Safeguard National Interests

New Delhi, May 02, 2024: India has firmly objected to China's actions in Shaksgam Valley, emphasising its determination to protect its interests. Speaking at a media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted, “We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.”

In a media briefing today Jaiswal answered a media question: "The Shaksgam Valley is a part of the territory of India. We have never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to China, and have consistently conveyed our rejection of the same. We have registered our protest with the Chinese side against illegal attempts to alter facts on the ground. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.”

China's recent activities in Shaksgam Valley, particularly the construction of a road near the Siachen Glacier, have raised concerns. This road, located in the Shaksgam Valley, was part of Kashmir ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963. Satellite images reveal that the road, starting from China's Xinjiang province, extends towards the mountains close to the Siachen Glacier.

According to reports, the construction of this road began between June and August last year and was first brought to attention by an observer known as 'Nature Desai' on social media. The road lies in the Trans-Karakoram Tract, an area historically claimed by India but currently under Pakistan's control.

Despite the 1963 agreement between Pakistan and China, India has consistently rejected any changes to the status quo in this region. The official maps of India continue to depict this area as Indian territory. Indian defence experts argue that alterations in this region threaten India's sovereignty and pose security risks.

Furthermore, there are reports of increased military cooperation between Pakistan and China in the area. Pakistan's plans to build a road connecting Muzaffarabad to Mustagh Pass, potentially passing through Shaksgam Valley, have raised additional concerns. This road could ultimately link with China's national highway G219, further complicating the situation.