Shaksgam Valley Row: Army Chief Warns China Over Infrastructure Build-up

While the border situation in Eastern Ladakh has seen some stability recently, a new flashpoint has emerged. Reports have confirmed that China is rapidly building all-weather roads and military infrastructure in the Shaksgam Valley, a territory that legally belongs to India but was ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963.

This week, the Indian Army and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued strong statements rejecting Beijing’s claims over the valley. The development is alarming because this construction brings Chinese troops dangerously close to the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, creating a direct “two-front” threat to India.

Here is a complete breakdown of what is happening in Shaksgam Valley, why China is building roads there, and how this impacts India’s security in 2026.

What is Happening Right Now?

Satellite imagery and intelligence reports in late 2025 and early January 2026 revealed that China has activated construction teams in the lower Shaksgam Valley. They are building a metalled road capable of carrying heavy military vehicles.

• China’s Stance: On January 12, 2026, China’s Foreign Ministry openly defended this construction. They stated that the territory “belongs to China” and that their activities are “beyond reproach” (cannot be criticized).
• India’s Reaction: India hit back immediately. On January 13, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi categorically rejected these claims. He stated that India has never recognized the “so-called” 1963 agreement between Pakistan and China. The MEA also warned that India reserves the right to take “necessary measures” to safeguard its interests.

The Historical Context: The “Illegal” Gift

To understand the dispute, we must go back to 1963.

• The Area: Shaksgam Valley covers about 5,180 sq km. It lies north of the Karakoram range and was originally part of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir (and thus India).
• The 1963 Agreement: After the 1947-48 war, Pakistan occupied this area (as part of PoK). However, in 1963, Pakistan signed a boundary agreement with China and gifted this entire valley to Beijing to buy peace and support.
• India’s Position: India maintains that Pakistan had no legal right to sell or gift territory that it does not own. Therefore, New Delhi considers the 1963 pact illegal and the valley as Indian territory.

Why is Shaksgam Valley Strategically Important?

This is not just about barren land; it is about the Siachen Glacier. The Shaksgam Valley lies to the north of the Siachen Glacier, while Pakistan controls the area to the west.

1. Encirclement of Siachen: If China builds roads in Shaksgam, their troops can reach the northern ridges of Siachen (near Indira Col). This would sandwich Indian troops between the Pakistan Army on one side and the Chinese PLA on the other.
2. The CPEC Connection: The new roads are likely linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China wants to connect the Karakoram Highway directly to this region, creating a secure military loop against India.
3. Pressure on Ladakh: By militarizing this area, China opens a new “pressure point” on Ladakh, forcing the Indian Army to divert resources from other sectors.

What Happens Next?

The situation is tense but stable for now.

• Diplomatic Protests: India has lodged a formal protest, but Beijing has dismissed it.
• Military Readiness: The Indian Army has ramped up surveillance in the Nubra Valley and Siachen sectors. Advanced drones and satellite monitoring are now tracking every meter of the Chinese construction.
• Future Outlook: Experts warn that this road is a “permanent change of status quo.” It suggests that China is no longer treating Kashmir as a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan but is actively asserting itself as a third party in the dispute.

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