India Dismisses China's Shaksgam Valley Claim, Deems 1963 Agreement Illegal
The Indian Army has dismissed China's renewed assertion over the Shaksgam Valley, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declaring India's non-acceptance of any activities in the area and labeling Beijing's stance as unacceptable.
During his annual press conference leading up to the 78th Army Day, General Dwivedi emphasized India's view that the 1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement, which resulted in Pakistan unlawfully transferring approximately 5,180 square kilometers of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to China, is both invalid and illegal.
General Dwivedi reiterated India's enduring position that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of India and disapproved of any developments there. He also noted that India does not acknowledge the infrastructure projects carried out under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, as they traverse Indian territory under forcible and illegal occupation.
China’s Claim Rejected
The comments followed Beijing's assertion that the Shaksgam Valley belongs to China and its defense of infrastructure development in the area. In response, the Army Chief stated that India rejects any statements from China regarding the CPEC or related activities conducted with Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory and has never recognized the 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan.
Situation Along the LAC
Addressing the broader situation along the northern borders, General Dwivedi remarked that the Line of Actual Control remains stable but requires vigilant monitoring. He mentioned that high-level military and diplomatic engagements, renewed contact, and confidence-building measures have contributed to a gradual normalization.
He stated that these efforts have facilitated activities such as grazing and welfare camps along the borders, adding that India's deployment along the LAC is both balanced and robust, bolstered by ongoing infrastructure development through a comprehensive government approach.
The Army Chief confirmed that patrols in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh have resumed after a hiatus of more than four years, restoring the ground situation to its pre-April 2020 state.
Pakistan and Terror Camps
Shifting focus to the western front, General Dwivedi reported that incidents initiated by terrorists have nearly ceased following Operation Sindoor, which was India's measured military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, he cautioned that eight terror camps remain active in Pakistan, with an estimated 100–150 terrorists present.
He warned that any future misadventures directed against India would be met with determination, highlighting that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's readiness, precision, and strategic clarity.
The Army Chief's statements underscored India's steadfast position on territorial sovereignty, its rejection of unlawful agreements, and its commitment to maintaining peace through preparedness and vigilance along both the northern and western borders.
