Operation Meghdoot - Revision history

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2409:4064:2C88:3FBB:4412:268B:8D88:1771 at 13:13, 23 August 2021

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← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 23 August 2021
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	{{Infobox military conflict		{{Infobox military conflict
	\| conflict = Operation Meghdoot		\| conflict = Operation Meghdoot
	\| width =		\| width =
	\| partof = the [[Siachen conflict]]		\| partof = the [[Siachen conflict]]
Line 24:		Line 24:
	\| map_label =		\| map_label =
	\| territory = India gains control of the entire [[Siachen Glacier]], administers it as part of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)\|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] (now [[Ladakh]])<ref>See http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html for a detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987. and pages 19-20 plus the map on p. 21 at http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf , Pakistani control over the heights just to the west, near "Naveed Top" east of Chumik Glacier, contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm</ref><ref name="fronltine_leaders">{{cite news \| url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm \| title=For the first time, the leaders of India and Pakistan seem close to finding a solution to the Kashmir problem. \| work=for a detailed, current map\| date=10 March 2006 \| access-date=29 April 2012 \| author=Noorani, A.G.}}</ref><ref>"Indians have been able to hold on to the tactical advantage of the high ground. Most of India's many outposts are west of the (Siachen) Glacier along the [[Saltoro Ridge\|Saltoro Range]]. {{cite news \|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDA1431F930A15756C0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=%22May%2023,%201999%22%20%22Roof%20of%20the%20World%22&st=cse\|first= Barry \|last= Bearak \|title= THE COLDEST WAR; Frozen in Fury on the Roof of the World \|access-date= 2009-02-20 \|work= [[The New York Times]]\|date= 23 May 1999}}</ref><ref>In an academic study with detailed maps and satellite images, co-authored by brigadiers from both the Pakistani and Indian military, pages 16 and 27: "Since 1984, the Indian army has been in physical possession of most of the heights on the Saltoro Range west of the Siachen Glacier, while the Pakistan army has held posts at lower elevations of western slopes of the spurs emanating from the Saltoro ridgeline. The Indian army has secured its position on the ridgeline." {{cite web \|url=http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf \|title=Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone \|access-date=2009-02-20 \|last=Hakeem \|first=Asad \|author2=Gurmeet Kanwal \|author3=Michael Vannoni \|author4=Gaurav Rajen \|date=2007-09-01 \|work=Sandia Report \|publisher=Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417040258/http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf \|df=dmy-all \|archive-date=17 April 2012 }}</ref>		\| territory = India gains control of the entire [[Siachen Glacier]], administers it as part of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)\|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] (now [[Ladakh]])<ref>See http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html for a detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987. and pages 19-20 plus the map on p. 21 at http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf , Pakistani control over the heights just to the west, near "Naveed Top" east of Chumik Glacier, contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm</ref><ref name="fronltine_leaders">{{cite news \| url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm \| title=For the first time, the leaders of India and Pakistan seem close to finding a solution to the Kashmir problem. \| work=for a detailed, current map\| date=10 March 2006 \| access-date=29 April 2012 \| author=Noorani, A.G.}}</ref><ref>"Indians have been able to hold on to the tactical advantage of the high ground. Most of India's many outposts are west of the (Siachen) Glacier along the [[Saltoro Ridge\|Saltoro Range]]. {{cite news \|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDA1431F930A15756C0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=%22May%2023,%201999%22%20%22Roof%20of%20the%20World%22&st=cse\|first= Barry \|last= Bearak \|title= THE COLDEST WAR; Frozen in Fury on the Roof of the World \|access-date= 2009-02-20 \|work= [[The New York Times]]\|date= 23 May 1999}}</ref><ref>In an academic study with detailed maps and satellite images, co-authored by brigadiers from both the Pakistani and Indian military, pages 16 and 27: "Since 1984, the Indian army has been in physical possession of most of the heights on the Saltoro Range west of the Siachen Glacier, while the Pakistan army has held posts at lower elevations of western slopes of the spurs emanating from the Saltoro ridgeline. The Indian army has secured its position on the ridgeline." {{cite web \|url=http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf \|title=Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone \|access-date=2009-02-20 \|last=Hakeem \|first=Asad \|author2=Gurmeet Kanwal \|author3=Michael Vannoni \|author4=Gaurav Rajen \|date=2007-09-01 \|work=Sandia Report \|publisher=Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417040258/http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf \|df=dmy-all \|archive-date=17 April 2012 }}</ref>
	\| result = Indian ~~operational success~~		\| result = Indian victory.
			Pakistani troops were pushed back from Siachen.

	\| status =		\| status =
	\| combatants_header =		\| combatants_header =
Line 30:		Line 32:
	\| combatant2 = {{flag\|Pakistan\|23px}}		\| combatant2 = {{flag\|Pakistan\|23px}}
	\| commander1 = {{flagicon image\|Flag of India.svg\|size=23px}} [[Giani]] [[Zail Singh]]<br />(<small>[[President of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image\|Flag of India.svg\|size=23px}} [[Indira Gandhi]]<br />(<small>[[Prime Minister of India]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of Indian Lieutenant Generals, Army Headquarters.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general\|Lt. Gen.]] [[Prem Nath Hoon]]<br />(<small>[[Commander-in-chief\|Commander-in-Chief]], [[Western Command (India)\|Western Command]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of Indian Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant colonel\|Lt. Col.]] D. K. Khanna		\| commander1 = {{flagicon image\|Flag of India.svg\|size=23px}} [[Giani]] [[Zail Singh]]<br />(<small>[[President of India]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image\|Flag of India.svg\|size=23px}} [[Indira Gandhi]]<br />(<small>[[Prime Minister of India]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of Indian Lieutenant Generals, Army Headquarters.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general\|Lt. Gen.]] [[Prem Nath Hoon]]<br />(<small>[[Commander-in-chief\|Commander-in-Chief]], [[Western Command (India)\|Western Command]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of Indian Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant colonel\|Lt. Col.]] D. K. Khanna
	\| commander2 = {{flagicon image\|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg\|size=23px}} [[General\|Gen.]] [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq\|Zia-ul-Haq]]<br />(<small>[[President of Pakistan]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image\|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general\|Lt. Gen.]] [[Zahid Ali Akbar Khan\|Zahid Ali Akbar]]<br />(<small>[[General officer commanding\|Commanding Officer]], [[X Corps (Pakistan)\|X Corps]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Brigadier ~~general~~\|Brig~~. Gen~~.]] [[Pervez Musharraf]]		\| commander2 = {{flagicon image\|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg\|size=23px}} [[General\|Gen.]] [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq\|Zia-ul-Haq]]<br />(<small>[[President of Pakistan]]</small>)<br />{{flagicon image\|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general\|Lt. Gen.]] [[Zahid Ali Akbar Khan\|Zahid Ali Akbar]]<br />(<small>[[General officer commanding\|Commanding Officer]], [[X Corps (Pakistan)\|X Corps]]</small>)<br>{{flagicon image\|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg\|size=23px}} [[Brigadier\|Brig.]] [[Pervez Musharraf]]
	\| strength1 = 3,000+<ref name="story">{{cite news\| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412045808/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html \| url-status=dead \| archive-date=12 April 2012 \| publisher=Time.com \| title=War at the Top of the World \| date=7 November 2005}}</ref>		\| strength1 = 3,000+<ref name="story">{{cite news\| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html \| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412045808/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html \| url-status=dead \| archive-date=12 April 2012 \| publisher=Time.com \| title=War at the Top of the World \| date=7 November 2005}}</ref>
	\| strength2 = 3,000<ref name="story"/>		\| strength2 = 3,000<ref name="story"/>
	\| casualties1 = ~~Unknown~~<ref name="militaryops"/><ref name="thecitizen"/>		\| casualties1 = 2 soldiers killed. ( One soldier was killed due to excessive cold.)<ref name="militaryops"/><ref name="thecitizen"/>
	\| casualties2 = ~~Unknown~~<ref name="militaryops">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nn5IDwAAQBAJ&q=operation+meghdoot+casualties\|title=INDIA'S MAJOR MILITARY & RESCUE OPERATIONS\|last1=Kumar Pandey\|first1=Hemant\|last2=Raj Singh\|first2=Manish\|date=1 August 2017\|publisher=Horizon Books\|page=141\|isbn=9789386369390\|quote=Camps were soon converted into permanent post by both countries. The number of casualties on both sides during this operation is not known.}}</ref><ref name="thecitizen">{{cite web\|url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN\|title=HIGH TIME TO SETTLE SIACHEN\|work=The Citizen India\|date=28 February 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821063636/https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN\|archive-date=21 August 2019\|url-status=live\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>		\| casualties2 = 26 soldiers killed.<ref name="militaryops">{{cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nn5IDwAAQBAJ&q=operation+meghdoot+casualties\|title=INDIA'S MAJOR MILITARY & RESCUE OPERATIONS\|last1=Kumar Pandey\|first1=Hemant\|last2=Raj Singh\|first2=Manish\|date=1 August 2017\|publisher=Horizon Books\|page=141\|isbn=9789386369390\|quote=Camps were soon converted into permanent post by both countries. The number of casualties on both sides during this operation is not known.}}</ref><ref name="thecitizen">{{cite web\|url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN\|title=HIGH TIME TO SETTLE SIACHEN\|work=The Citizen India\|date=28 February 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821063636/https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN\|archive-date=21 August 2019\|url-status=live\|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
	\| notes =		\| notes =
	\| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}		\| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}
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	===Cause of conflict===		===Cause of conflict===

	The Siachen Glacier became a bone of contention following a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of July 1949 which did not exactly specify who had authority over the Siachen Glacier area. Indian interpretation was that Pakistan territory extended only to about the Saltoro Ridge based on the [[Simla Accord (1913)\|Simla agreement]] where the territorial line's route after the last demarcated Point [[NJ9842]] was "thence north to the glaciers." Pakistan interpretation was that their territory continued northeast from Point NJ9842 to the [[Karakoram Pass]]. As a result, both nations claimed the barren heights and the Siachen Glacier. In the 1970s and early 1980s, [[Pakistan]] permitted several [[mountaineering]] expeditions to climb the peaks in the Siachen region from the Pakistani side, perhaps in an attempt to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions received permits obtained from the [[Government of Pakistan]] and in many cases a [[liaison officer]] from the [[Pakistan Army]] accompanied the teams. In 1978, the Indian Army also allowed mountaineering expeditions to the glacier, approaching from its side. The most notable one was the one launched by [[Colonel Narendra Kumar\|Colonel Narinder "Bull" Kumar]] of the [[Indian Army]], who led an expedition to [[Teram Kangri]], along with medical officer Captain A.V.S. Gupta. The Indian Air Force provided valuable support to this expedition in 1978 through logistic support and supply of fresh rations. The first air landing on the glacier was carried out on 6 October 1978 when two casualties were evacuated from the Advance Base Camp in a [[HAL Chetak\|Chetak]] helicopter by Sqn Ldr Monga and Flying Officer Manmohan Bahadur. Contention over the glacier was aggravated by these expeditions, through both sides asserting their claims.{{citation needed\|date=August 2019}}		The Siachen Glacier became a bone of contention following a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of July 1949 which did not exactly specify who had authority over the Siachen Glacier area. Indian interpretation was that Pakistan territory extended only to about the Saltoro Ridge based on the [[Simla Accord (1913)\|Simla agreement]] where the territorial line's route after the last demarcated Point [[NJ9842]] was "thence north to the glaciers." Pakistan interpretation was that their territory continued northeast from Point NJ9842 to the [[Karakoram Pass]]. As a result, both nations claimed the barren heights and the Siachen Glacier. In the 1970s and early 1980s, [[Pakistan]] permitted several [[mountaineering]] expeditions to climb the peaks in the Siachen region from the Pakistani side, perhaps in an attempt to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions received permits obtained from the [[Government of Pakistan]] and in many cases a [[liaison officer]] from the [[Pakistan Army]] accompanied the teams. In 1978, the Indian Army also allowed mountaineering expeditions to the glacier, approaching from its side. The most notable one was the one launched by [[Colonel Narendra Kumar\|Colonel Narinder "Bull" Kumar]] of the [[Indian Army]], who led an expedition to [[Teram Kangri]], along with medical officer Captain A.V.S. Gupta. The Indian Air Force provided valuable support to this expedition in 1978 through logistic support and supply of fresh rations. The first air landing on the glacier was carried out on 6 October 1978 when two casualties were evacuated from the Advance Base Camp in a [[HAL Chetak\|Chetak]] helicopter by Sqn Ldr Monga and Flying Officer Manmohan Bahadur. Contention over the glacier was aggravated by these expeditions, through both sides asserting their claims.{{citation needed\|date=August 2019}}

	Notably, when Pakistan gave permission to a [[Japan]]ese expedition to scale an important peak ([[Rimo I]]) in 1984, it further fueled the suspicion of the Indian Government of Pakistani attempts to legitimize their claim. The peak, located east of the Siachen Glacier, also overlooks the northwestern areas of the [[Aksai Chin]] area which is controlled by [[China]] but claimed by [[India]]. The Indian military believed that such an expedition could further a link for a trade route from the northeastern (Chinese) to the southwestern (Pakistani) side of the [[Karakoram Range]] and eventually provide a strategic, if not tactical, advantage to the [[Pakistani Armed Forces]].{{citation needed\|date=October 2017}}		Notably, when Pakistan gave permission to a [[Japan]]ese expedition to scale an important peak ([[Rimo I]]) in 1984, it further fueled the suspicion of the Indian Government of Pakistani attempts to legitimize their claim. The peak, located east of the Siachen Glacier, also overlooks the northwestern areas of the [[Aksai Chin]] area which is controlled by [[China]] but claimed by [[India]]. The Indian military believed that such an expedition could further a link for a trade route from the northeastern (Chinese) to the southwestern (Pakistani) side of the [[Karakoram Range]] and eventually provide a strategic, if not tactical, advantage to the [[Pakistani Armed Forces]].{{citation needed\|date=October 2017}}

Pradip89: Created page with "{{Short description|1984 Indian military operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir}} {{Multiple issues| {{more citations needed|date=September 2017}} {{Cleanup|reaso..."

2021-08-05T15:40:05Z

Created page with "{{Short description|1984 Indian military operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir}} {{Multiple issues| {{more citations needed|date=September 2017}} {{Cleanup|reaso..."

New page

{{Short description|1984 Indian military operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=September 2017}}
{{Cleanup|reason=rough grammar/spelling in some sections|date=September 2020}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}{{Use British English|date=September 2020}}

{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Operation Meghdoot
| width =
| partof = the [[Siachen conflict]]
| image = Siachen Glacier Satellite Image, 1.jpg
| caption = Satellite imagery of the [[Siachen Glacier]]
| date = {{date and age|1984|04|13|df=yes}}
| place = [[Siachen Glacier]], [[Kashmir]]
| coordinates = {{coord|35|25|N|76|55|E|type:adm1st_source:kolossus-nowiki|display=title}}
| map_type =
| map_relief =
| latitude =
| longitude =
| map_size =
| map_marksize =
| map_caption =
| map_label =
| territory = India gains control of the entire [[Siachen Glacier]], administers it as part of the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] (now [[Ladakh]])<ref>See http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html for a detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987. and pages 19-20 plus the map on p. 21 at http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf , Pakistani control over the heights just to the west, near "Naveed Top" east of Chumik Glacier, contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary at http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm</ref><ref name="fronltine_leaders">{{cite news | url=http://www.frontlineonnet.com/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm | title=For the first time, the leaders of India and Pakistan seem close to finding a solution to the Kashmir problem. | work=for a detailed, current map| date=10 March 2006 | access-date=29 April 2012 | author=Noorani, A.G.}}</ref><ref>"Indians have been able to hold on to the tactical advantage of the high ground. Most of India's many outposts are west of the (Siachen) Glacier along the [[Saltoro Ridge|Saltoro Range]]. {{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDA1431F930A15756C0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=%22May%2023,%201999%22%20%22Roof%20of%20the%20World%22&st=cse|first= Barry |last= Bearak |title= THE COLDEST WAR; Frozen in Fury on the Roof of the World |access-date= 2009-02-20 |work= [[The New York Times]]|date= 23 May 1999}}</ref><ref>In an academic study with detailed maps and satellite images, co-authored by brigadiers from both the Pakistani and Indian military, pages 16 and 27: "Since 1984, the Indian army has been in physical possession of most of the heights on the Saltoro Range west of the Siachen Glacier, while the Pakistan army has held posts at lower elevations of western slopes of the spurs emanating from the Saltoro ridgeline. The Indian army has secured its position on the ridgeline." {{cite web |url=http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf |title=Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone |access-date=2009-02-20 |last=Hakeem |first=Asad |author2=Gurmeet Kanwal |author3=Michael Vannoni |author4=Gaurav Rajen |date=2007-09-01 |work=Sandia Report |publisher=Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417040258/http://www.cmc.sandia.gov/cmc-papers/sand20075670.pdf |df=dmy-all |archive-date=17 April 2012 }}</ref>
| result = Indian operational success
| status =
| combatants_header =
| combatant1 = {{flag|India|23px}}
| combatant2 = {{flag|Pakistan|23px}}
| commander1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[Giani]] [[Zail Singh]] ([[President of India]]) {{flagicon image|Flag of India.svg|size=23px}} [[Indira Gandhi]] ([[Prime Minister of India]]) {{flagicon image|Flag of Indian Lieutenant Generals, Army Headquarters.svg|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general|Lt. Gen.]] [[Prem Nath Hoon]] ([[Commander-in-chief|Commander-in-Chief]], [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]]) {{flagicon image|Flag of Indian Army.svg|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant colonel|Lt. Col.]] D. K. Khanna
| commander2 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the President of Pakistan.svg|size=23px}} [[General|Gen.]] [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia-ul-Haq]] ([[President of Pakistan]]) {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg|size=23px}} [[Lieutenant general|Lt. Gen.]] [[Zahid Ali Akbar Khan|Zahid Ali Akbar]] ([[General officer commanding|Commanding Officer]], [[X Corps (Pakistan)|X Corps]]) {{flagicon image|Flag of the Pakistani Army.svg|size=23px}} [[Brigadier general|Brig. Gen.]] [[Pervez Musharraf]]
| strength1 = 3,000+<ref name="story">{{cite news| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412045808/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 April 2012 | publisher=Time.com | title=War at the Top of the World | date=7 November 2005}}</ref>
| strength2 = 3,000<ref name="story"/>
| casualties1 = Unknown<ref name="militaryops"/><ref name="thecitizen"/>
| casualties2 = Unknown<ref name="militaryops">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nn5IDwAAQBAJ&q=operation+meghdoot+casualties|title=INDIA'S MAJOR MILITARY & RESCUE OPERATIONS|last1=Kumar Pandey|first1=Hemant|last2=Raj Singh|first2=Manish|date=1 August 2017|publisher=Horizon Books|page=141|isbn=9789386369390|quote=Camps were soon converted into permanent post by both countries. The number of casualties on both sides during this operation is not known.}}</ref><ref name="thecitizen">{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN|title=HIGH TIME TO SETTLE SIACHEN|work=The Citizen India|date=28 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821063636/https://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/en/NewsDetail/index/4/6996/HIGH-TIME-TO-SETTLE-SIACHEN|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| notes =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}
}}

[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|right|UN map of Siachen]]

'''Operation Meghdoot''' ({{lit}} "Operation [[Meghadūta|Cloud Messenger]]" after a famous [[Sanskrit]] poem by [[Kalidasa]]) was the codename for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]' operation to seize control of the [[Siachen Glacier]] in [[Kashmir]], precipitating the [[Siachen conflict]]. Executed in the morning of {{Date|Apr 13, 1984|dmy}} in the highest battlefield in the world, Meghdoot was the first military offensive of its kind. The operation preempted [[Pakistan]]'s impending Operation Ababeel (which was intended to achieve the same objective as Meghdoot) and was a success, resulting in Indian forces gaining control of the Siachen Glacier in its entirety.<ref name=BaghelNusser/>

Currently, the [[Indian Army]] remains the first and only army in the world to have taken [[tank]]s and other heavy ordnance up to such an altitude (well over {{convert|5000|m|ft|disp=or|abbr=on}}). Up to ten infantry battalions each of the [[Indian Army]] and [[Pakistan Army]] are actively deployed at high altitudes of up to {{convert|6400|m|ft}} throughout the region of the [[glacier]].

[[File:Kashmir_map.jpg|thumb|420x346px|right|Indo-Pak mutually-agreed undisputed ''"International Border"'' (IB) in the black line, Indo-Pak ''"Line of Control"'' (LoC) in black dotted line in the north and west, Indo-Sino ''"Line of Actual"'' (LAC) in black dotted line in the east, Indo-Pak line across Siachen in north is ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL). The areas shown in green are the two Pakistani-controlled areas: Gilgit–Baltistan in the north and Azad Kashmir in the south. The area shown in orange is the Indian-controlled territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the diagonally-hatched area to the east is the Chinese-controlled area known as Aksai Chin. ''"Territories ceded by Pakistan to China claimed by India"'' in the north is Shaksgam ([[Trans-Karakoram Tract]]).]]
[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|420x380px|right|[[United Nations]] map of Siachen Glacier showing ''"Point NJ980420"'' (Point NJ9842) as the starting point of the ''"Actual Ground Position Line"'' (AGPL) and the [[Nubra River]] valley and Siachen Glacier held by India. The AGPL starts from NJ9842 and goes north near Gyong La, Chumik Kangri, Saltoro Galcier, Bilafond La, and Sia La to near Indira Col West. Goma military camp, the Masherbrum Range, Baltoro Glacier, Baltoro Muztagh and K2 are held by Pakistan.]]

==The operation==

===Cause of conflict===

The Siachen Glacier became a bone of contention following a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of July 1949 which did not exactly specify who had authority over the Siachen Glacier area. Indian interpretation was that Pakistan territory extended only to about the Saltoro Ridge based on the [[Simla Accord (1913)|Simla agreement]] where the territorial line's route after the last demarcated Point [[NJ9842]] was "thence north to the glaciers." Pakistan interpretation was that their territory continued northeast from Point NJ9842 to the [[Karakoram Pass]]. As a result, both nations claimed the barren heights and the Siachen Glacier. In the 1970s and early 1980s, [[Pakistan]] permitted several [[mountaineering]] expeditions to climb the peaks in the Siachen region from the Pakistani side, perhaps in an attempt to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions received permits obtained from the [[Government of Pakistan]] and in many cases a [[liaison officer]] from the [[Pakistan Army]] accompanied the teams. In 1978, the Indian Army also allowed mountaineering expeditions to the glacier, approaching from its side. The most notable one was the one launched by [[Colonel Narendra Kumar|Colonel Narinder "Bull" Kumar]] of the [[Indian Army]], who led an expedition to [[Teram Kangri]], along with medical officer Captain A.V.S. Gupta. The Indian Air Force provided valuable support to this expedition in 1978 through logistic support and supply of fresh rations. The first air landing on the glacier was carried out on 6 October 1978 when two casualties were evacuated from the Advance Base Camp in a [[HAL Chetak|Chetak]] helicopter by Sqn Ldr Monga and Flying Officer Manmohan Bahadur. Contention over the glacier was aggravated by these expeditions, through both sides asserting their claims.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}

Notably, when Pakistan gave permission to a [[Japan]]ese expedition to scale an important peak ([[Rimo I]]) in 1984, it further fueled the suspicion of the Indian Government of Pakistani attempts to legitimize their claim. The peak, located east of the Siachen Glacier, also overlooks the northwestern areas of the [[Aksai Chin]] area which is controlled by [[China]] but claimed by [[India]]. The Indian military believed that such an expedition could further a link for a trade route from the northeastern (Chinese) to the southwestern (Pakistani) side of the [[Karakoram Range]] and eventually provide a strategic, if not tactical, advantage to the [[Pakistani Armed Forces]].{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

===Planning===

The Indian military decided to deploy troops from Northern [[Ladakh]] region as well as some paramilitary forces to the glacier area. Most of the troops had been acclimatized to the extremities of the glacier through a training expedition to [[Antarctica]] in 1982 before eventually launching the operation to occupy the complete glacier.<ref>https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/how-raw-outsmarted-isi-to-win-siachen-for-india-through-operation-meghdoot-263062.html</ref> In 1983, Pakistani generals decided to stake their claim through troop deployments to the Siachen glacier. After analysing the Indian Army's mountaineering expeditions, they feared that India might capture key [[ridge]]s and [[mountain pass|passes]] near the glacier, and decided to send their own troops first. [[Islamabad]] ordered [[Arctic]]-weather gear from a London supplier,<ref name=supplier>{{cite news| url=http://indiafacts.info/20-interesting-facts-about-raw/ | work=India Facts| title=19 Interesting Facts About RAW | date=21 September 2016|access-date=2017-01-03}}</ref> unaware that the same supplier provided outfits to the Indians. The Indians were informed about this development and initiated their own plan, providing them with a head start.<ref name=time-war>{{cite news| url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528,00.html | work=Time Magazine| title=War at the Top of the World | date=4 July 2005|access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref>

The Indian Army planned an operation to control the glacier by 13 April 1984, to preempt the Pakistani Army by about 4 days, as intelligence had reported that the Pakistani operation planned to occupy the glacier by 17 April. Named for the divine cloud messenger, [[Meghaduta]], from the 4th century AD [[Sanskrit]] [[Play (theatre)|play]] by [[Kalidasa]], Operation ''Meghdoot'' was led by Lieutenant General [[Prem Nath Hoon]]. The task of occupying the Saltoro ridge was given to 26 Sector, commanded by Brigadier Vijay Channa, who was tasked with launching the operation between 10 and 30 April. He chose 13 April, supposedly an lucky date, because it was the [[Vaisakhi]] day, when the Pakistanis would be least expecting the Indians to launch an operation.<ref>https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/operation-meghdoot-34-years-ago-how-india-won-siachen-5135429/</ref>

Preparations for Operation ''Meghdoot'' started with the airlift of Indian Army soldiers by the [[Indian Air Force]]. The Air Force used [[Il-76]], [[Antonov An-12|An-12]] and [[Antonov An-32|An-32]] to transport stores and troops as well to airdrop supplies to high altitude airfields. From there [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]], [[Mil Mi-8|Mi-8]] and [[HAL Chetak]] helicopters carried provisions and personnel to the east of the hitherto unscaled peaks.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

===Execution ===

The first phase of the operation began in March 1984 with the march on foot to the eastern base of the glacier. A full battalion of the [[Kumaon Regiment]] and units from the [[Ladakh Scouts]], marched with full battle packs through an ice-bound [[Zoji La]] pass for days.<ref name=ia-meghdoot>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTemp3PLMMCRM6C.aspx?MnId=GWOq5gm/3bWnw01bjgMFeA==&ParentID=PUXKeyfrbKTnUWp2lVC0YA==|title=Operation Meghdoot|publisher=Indian Army}}</ref> The units under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel (later Brigadier) D. K. Khanna were moved on foot to avoid detection of large troop movements by Pakistani radars.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}}

The first unit—tasked with establishing a position on the heights of the glacier—was led by Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) R. S. Sandhu. The next unit led by Captain Sanjay Kulkarni secured [[Bilafond La]]. The remaining forward deployment units then marched and climbed for four days under the command of Captain P. V. Yadav to secure the remaining heights of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]].<ref name=ia-meghdoot/> By 13 April, approximately 300 Indian troops were dug into the critical peaks and passes of the glacier. By the time Pakistan troops managed to get into the immediate area, they found that the Indian troops had controlled all three major mountain passes of [[Sia La]], Bilafond La, and by 1987 [[Gyong La]] and all the commanding heights of the Saltoro Ridge west of the Siachen Glacier.<ref name="time-war"/><ref name=BaghelNusser>{{cite journal|title=Securing the heights; The vertical dimension of the Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan in the Eastern Karakoram |author=Baghel, Ravi |pages=24–36 |date=2015-06-17|publisher=Elsevier |author2=Nusser, Marcus |doi=10.1016/j.polgeo.2015.05.001 |volume=48 |journal=Political Geography|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name=Wirsing>{{cite book |last = Wirsing |first = Robert |title = Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977-1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan, 1991 |isbn = 978-0-312-06067-1|date = 15 November 1991 }}</ref> Handicapped by the altitude and the limited time, Pakistan could only manage to control the Saltoro Ridge's western slopes and foothills despite the fact that Pakistan possessed more ground accessible routes to the area, unlike Indian access which was largely reliant on air drops for supplies due to the steeper eastern side of the glacier.<ref name=time-war/>

In [[In the Line of Fire: A Memoir|his memoirs]], former [[President of Pakistan|Pakistani president]], General [[Pervez Musharraf]] states that Pakistan lost {{convert| 985.71|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}} of territory.<ref name="Memoirs">{{cite book|author=Pervez Musharraf | title=In the Line of Fire: A Memoir | publisher=Free Press | year=2006 | isbn=0-7432-8344-9| author-link=Pervez Musharraf | title-link=In the Line of Fire: A Memoir }}(pp. 68-69)</ref> [[Time magazine]] also states that the Indian advance captured {{convert|985.71|sqmi|km2|abbr=on}} of territory claimed by Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312141921/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 March 2007|title=The Himalayas War at the Top of the World|first=Edward W.|last=Desmond|date=31 July 1989|access-date=15 December 2017|via=www.time.com}}</ref> Camps were soon converted to permanent posts by both countries. The number of casualties on both sides during this particular operation is not known.<ref name="militaryops"/>

=== Casualties ===

No reliable data is available. However, both sides incurred most of their casualties from the weather and the terrain. A large number of soldiers from both sides suffered [[frostbite]] and [[high altitude sickness]] or were lost in [[avalanche]]s or [[crevasse]]s during patrols.

In Siachen Glacier Operation Meghdoot, from 1984 till 18.11.2016, 35 officers and 887 JCOs / ORs{{clarify|What do these abbreviations mean?|date=June 2019}} have lost their lives. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Majeed Memon in Rajya Sabha.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Parminder|first1=Kaur|title=Siachen Glacier Operation Meghdoot Takes 922 Lives|url=http://abclive.in/?p=3469|access-date=30 November 2016|agency=ABC Live|publisher=ABC Live|date=29 October 2016}}</ref>

== Aftermath ==

The operation resulted in India gaining {{convert|70|km|mi}} long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as three main passes of the Saltoro Ridge immediately west of the glacier, Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La, thus presently giving India the tactical advantage of holding higher grounds.<ref name="fronltine_leaders"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-01-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614202041/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html |df=dmy-all |archive-date=14 June 2012 }}</ref> The AGPL runs roughly along the [[Saltoro Mountains]] from Point [[NJ9842]] on the India-Pakistan [[Line of Control|LoC]] to near [[La Yongma Ri]], [[Gyong La]], [[Gyong Kangri]], [[Chumik Kangri]], [[Bilafond La]] (pass) and nearby [[Operation Rajiv|Bana Post]], [[Saltoro Kangri]], [[Ghent Kangri]], and [[Sia La]] to the India–Pakistan–China trijunction northwest of [[Indira Col|Indira Col West]] on the Sino-Indian [[Line of Actual Control|LAC]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Bharat Rakshak Monitor |title=Manning the Siachen Glacier |year=2003 |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html |access-date=2011-01-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614202041/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE6-1/Siachen.html |archive-date=2012-06-14 }}</ref><ref name=control2>R Baghela and M Nüsserab, 2015, [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0962629815000347 Securing the heights: The vertical dimension of the Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan in the Eastern Karakoram], [[Political Geography (journal)]], Volume 48, Pages 24-36.</ref> The peaks and passes under Pakistan's control such as [[2012 Gayari Sector avalanche|Gayari Camp]], [[Chogolisa]], [[Baltoro Glacier]], [[Conway Saddle]],<ref name=control2/> [[Baltoro Muztagh]], and [[Gasherbrum]] lie west of the AGPL.

The operation and the continued cost of maintaining logistics to the area is a major drain on both militaries. Pakistan launched an all out assault in 1987 and again in 1989 to capture the ridge and passes held by India. The first assault was headed by then-[[Brigadier-General]] [[Pervez Musharraf]] (later [[President of Pakistan]]) and initially managed to capture a few high points before being pushed back. Later the same year, Pakistan lost at least one major Pakistani post, the "[[Quaid-e-Azam|Quaid]]", which came under Indian control as [[Bana Top|Bana Post]], in recognition of [[Bana Singh]] who launched a daring daylight attack, codenamed [[Operation Rajiv]], after climbing {{convert|1500|ft|abbr=on}} of ice cliff. Bana Singh was awarded the [[Param Vir Chakra]] (PVC) – the highest gallantry award of India for the assault that captured the post. Bana Post is the highest battlefield post in the world today at a height of {{convert|22143|ft|m}} above sea level.<ref name=rediff-hope>{{cite news|url=http://in.rediff.com/news/2001/jan/25hope.htm|title=Project Hope|publisher=Rediff|date=2001-01-25|access-date=2011-12-30}}</ref><ref name=br-siachen>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/History/1984/290-Confrontation.html|title=Confrontation at Siachen, 26 June 1987|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=2011-12-30|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224074306/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/History/1984/290-Confrontation.html|df=dmy-all|archive-date=24 February 2014}}</ref> The second assault in 1989 was also unsuccessful as the ground positions did not change. The loss of most of the Siachen area and the subsequent unsuccessful military forays prompted [[Benazir Bhutto]] to taunt [[Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq|Zia ul Haq]] that he should wear a [[burqa]] as he had lost his [[manliness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pakobserver.net/200607/05/Articles01.asp?txt=Demilitarisation%20of%20Siachin|title=Demilitarisation of Siachin by Air Marshal [R] Ayaz A Khan|access-date=15 December 2017}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==In popular media==
''Operation Meghdoot: How India Captured Siachen (Battle Ops)'' (2018) is a [[TV documentary]] which premièred on the [[Discovery Channel]]'s [[Veer by Discovery]] series, Battle Ops.<ref name="VeerTV">{{cite news|title=This R-Day, get ready for Discovery channel's 'Battle Ops'|url=http://www.thehindu.com/society/discovery-channels-new-series-battle-ops-on-indias-iconic-military-operations/article22520490.ece|access-date=22 April 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="VeerYTV">{{cite web|title=Operation Meghdoot: How India Captured Siachen Battle Ops|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q7AC66O8nU|publisher=Veer by Discovery|access-date=22 April 2018}}</ref>

==See also==

; Near the AGPL (Actual Ground Position Line)
* [[NJ9842]] LoC ends and AGPL begins
* [[Gyong La]]
* [[Chumik Glacier]]
* [[Saltoro Mountains]]
* [[Saltoro Kangri]]
* [[Ghent Kangri]]
* [[Bilafond La]]
* [[Sia La]]
* [[Indira Col]]

; Borders
* [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL)
* [[India–Pakistan border|India–Pakistan International Border]] (IB)
* [[Line of Control]] (LoC)
* [[Line of Actual Control]] (LAC)
* [[Sir Creek]] (SC)
* [[Borders of China]]
* [[Borders of India]]
* [[:Category:Borders of Pakistan|Borders of Pakistan]]

; Conflicts
* [[Kashmir conflict]]
* [[Siachen conflict]]
* [[Sino-Indian War|Sino-Indian conflict]]
* [[:Category:Territorial disputes of China|List of disputed territories of China]]
* [[List of disputed territories of India]]
* [[:Category:Territorial disputes of Pakistan|List of disputed territories of Pakistan]]
* [[Northern Areas]]
* [[Trans-Karakoram Tract]]

; Operations
* [[Operation Rajiv]], by India
* [[Operation Safed Sagar]], by India

; Other related topics
* [[Awards and decorations of the Indian Armed Forces]]
* [[Bana Singh]], after whom Quaid Post was renamed to Bana Top
* [[Dafdar]], westernmost town in Trans-Karakoram Tract
* [[India-China Border Roads]]
* [[List of extreme points of India]]
* [[Sino-Pakistan Agreement]] for transfer of Trans-Karakoram Tract to China

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090422041211/http://defenceindia.com/def_common/siachen.html Defence India]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060417114400/http://armedforces.nic.in/airforce/majop1.htm Indian Air Force]
* [http://www.rediff.com/republic/2000/jan/29mehta.htm Gen. Mehta on Kargil and Siachen] - [[Rediff.com]]
* [http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_1-12-2002_pg3_3 Siachen disengagement] - Article in ''[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050707031356/http://www.time.com/time/asia/covers/501050711/story.html War at the top of the World] - Article in ''[[TIME]]''.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120614202808/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1990s/Siachen01.html The buildup to Operation ''Meghdoot'' by Wing Commander M. Bahadur]

{{Pakistani Armed Forces}}

[[Category:Battles of Indo-Pakistani wars]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1984]]
[[Category:Siachen conflict]]
[[Category:1984 in India]]
[[Category:1984 in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Aerial operations and battles involving India]]
[[Category:April 1984 events in Asia]]
[[Category:Invasions by India]]