📍 Shaksgam Valley Explained | Why It Matters Now

Описание: The Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans-Karakoram Tract, has once again come into sharp focus after China reaffirmed its territorial claims and defended infrastructure development in the region. This strategically sensitive, high-altitude area lies at the crossroads of India, Pakistan, and China, making it geopolitically crucial.

Located north of the Siachen Glacier, between the Karakoram and Kunlun mountain ranges, the Shaksgam Valley forms part of the former princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. Though historically linked to Ladakh–Baltistan, the region is today administered by China as part of Xinjiang, after being illegally ceded by Pakistan.

📜 Historical Context
After Jammu & Kashmir acceded to India in 1947, India asserted sovereignty over Shaksgam. However, during the 1947–48 war, Pakistan took control of the area. In 1963, Pakistan signed the Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement with China, ceding around 5,180 sq km of Indian territory — a move India strongly rejected as illegal.

⚖️ Legal & Strategic Angle
Importantly, Article 6 of the 1963 agreement itself states that the boundary is temporary and subject to renegotiation after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute — reinforcing India’s consistent stand that the agreement holds no legal validity.

🌏 Why This Is Important
• Direct relevance to India’s territorial integrity
• Strategic linkage with Siachen Glacier & Aksai Chin
• Critical for understanding India–China–Pakistan geopolitics
• Highly relevant for UPSC, KPSC & other competitive exams

Stay informed. Geography and geopolitics are deeply interconnected — and regions like Shaksgam Valley lie at the heart of India’s strategic concerns.

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