Previous Year Question
With reference to “Shaksgam Valley”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
This valley is a strategic key region, that is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India has lodged protest against the infrastructural development being carried out by China in this valley.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Only 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Only 1
Both 1 and 2
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. The Shaksgam Valley, associated with the Trans-Karakoram Tract, is a strategically important region in the Karakoram mountain area. It historically formed part of the disputed territory under Pakistan's occupation. In 1963, Pakistan transferred approximately 5,180 square kilometres of territory to China under the China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement. India considers this agreement illegal and regards the Shaksgam Valley as an integral part of its territory.
Statement 2 is also correct. India formally protested against road construction and other infrastructure development carried out by China in the Shaksgam Valley. On 2 May 2024, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India had never accepted the 1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement. He also confirmed that India had registered its protest with China against attempts to alter the situation on the ground.
The strategic importance of the Shaksgam Valley arises from its geographical location. It lies in the northern Karakoram region, close to the Siachen Glacier. The area is sensitive in terms of border and regional security involving India, Pakistan, and China. The development of transport and military-use infrastructure in this region could affect the regional strategic situation.
It is important to distinguish territorial claims from actual control. The Shaksgam Valley has been under Chinese control since 1963, while India claims it as its territory. Before Pakistan transferred the area to China, it formed part of the territory controlled by Pakistan. Therefore, describing it as part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is accepted in the historical context of the question, although China currently exercises actual control over the valley.