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{{Short description|1984–2003 territorial conflict between India and Pakistan in Kashmir}} | {{Short description|1984–2003 territorial conflict between India and Pakistan in Kashmir}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=April | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}} | ||
{{EngvarB|date=April 2021}} | {{EngvarB|date=April 2021}} | ||
{{Infobox military conflict | {{Infobox military conflict | ||
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| image_size = 300 | | image_size = 300 | ||
| caption = Labelled map of the greater [[Kashmir]] region; the Siachen Glacier lies in the [[Karakoram|Karakoram Range]] and its snout is situated less than {{cvt|50|km|mi}} north of the [[Ladakh Range]] | | caption = Labelled map of the greater [[Kashmir]] region; the Siachen Glacier lies in the [[Karakoram|Karakoram Range]] and its snout is situated less than {{cvt|50|km|mi}} north of the [[Ladakh Range]] | ||
| date = {{Start date|df=yes|1984|04|13}} – {{End date|df=yes|2003|11|25}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |title=India, Pak. ceasefire comes into being |last=Baruah |first=Amit |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=26 November 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124092845/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrKYBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |title=The Global Rise of Asian Transformation: Trends and Developments in Economic Growth Dynamics |publisher=Springer |year=2014 |isbn=9781137412362 |editor1=P. Hoontrakul |editor2=C. Balding |editor3=R. Marwah |edition=illustrated |page=37 |quote=Siachen conflict (1984—2003)<br>Victorious: India / Defeated: Pakistan}}</ref><br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=04|day1=13|year1=1984|month2=11|day2=25|year2= | | date = {{Start date|df=yes|1984|04|13}} – {{End date|df=yes|2003|11|25}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |title=India, Pak. ceasefire comes into being |last=Baruah |first=Amit |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=26 November 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124092845/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrKYBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |title=The Global Rise of Asian Transformation: Trends and Developments in Economic Growth Dynamics |publisher=Springer |year=2014 |isbn=9781137412362 |editor1=P. Hoontrakul |editor2=C. Balding |editor3=R. Marwah |edition=illustrated |page=37 |quote=Siachen conflict (1984—2003)<br>Victorious: India / Defeated: Pakistan}}</ref><br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=04|day1=13|year1=1984|month2=11|day2=25|year2=2003}}) | ||
| place = [[Siachen Glacier]], Kashmir | | place = [[Siachen Glacier]], Kashmir | ||
| result = Indian victory | | result = Indian victory | ||
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| strength2 = 3,000<ref name="story"/> | | strength2 = 3,000<ref name="story"/> | ||
| casualties1 = {{plainlist| | | casualties1 = {{plainlist| | ||
* 36 casualties during initial conflict<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/army-chief-to-visit-siachen-this-week/amp_articleshow/73147134.cms|title=Army chief to visit Siachen this week|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 January | * 36 casualties during initial conflict<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/army-chief-to-visit-siachen-this-week/amp_articleshow/73147134.cms|title=Army chief to visit Siachen this week|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="weekley">{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India – Volume 110, Issues 14–26|quote=Pakistani troops were forced out with over 200 casualties as against 36 Indian fatalities|publisher=Times of India}}</ref> | ||
* 1,100+ dead (including non-combat fatalities) after initial conflict<ref name="supreme sacrifice">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-flies-to-siachen-today-his-first-visit-as-defence-minister-2046948|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Bonds With Soldiers At Siachen Over Jalebi|work=NDTV|date=4 June | * 1,100+ dead (including non-combat fatalities) after initial conflict<ref name="supreme sacrifice">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-flies-to-siachen-today-his-first-visit-as-defence-minister-2046948|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Bonds With Soldiers At Siachen Over Jalebi|work=NDTV|date=4 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="supreme">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/rajnath-singh-visits-siachen-to-review-security-situation-pays-tribute-to-martyrs-pics/430401|title=Rajnath Singh visits Siachen to review security situation, pays tribute to martyrs - PICS|quote=Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. He went on to say, "More than 1,100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen glacier. The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice."|date=3 June 2019|work=Times Now News}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984/20120828.htm 846 Indian soldiers have died in Siachen since 1984 – Rediff.com News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912045935/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984/20120828.htm |date=12 September 2012 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 12 July 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/six-feared-dead-after-avalanche-hits-army-positions-in-northern-siachen/articleshow/72114684.cms|title=Six dead after avalanche hits Army positions in Northern Siachen|date=19 November 2019|work=[[The Times of India]] (TOI)}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| casualties2 = {{plainlist| | | casualties2 = {{plainlist| | ||
* 200 casualties during initial conflict<ref name="weekley">{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India – Volume 110, Issues 14–26|quote=Pakistani troops were forced out with over 200 casualties as against 36 Indian fatalities|publisher=Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/in-siachen-869-army-men-died-battling-the-elements/article7978149.ece|title=In Siachen 869 army men died battling the elements|work=The Hindu|access-date=12 December | * 200 casualties during initial conflict<ref name="weekley">{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India – Volume 110, Issues 14–26|quote=Pakistani troops were forced out with over 200 casualties as against 36 Indian fatalities|publisher=Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/in-siachen-869-army-men-died-battling-the-elements/article7978149.ece|title=In Siachen 869 army men died battling the elements|work=The Hindu|access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}} | | campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}} | ||
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[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|right|UN map of Siachen]] | [[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|right|UN map of Siachen]] | ||
The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth,<ref>VAUSE, Mikel. Peering Over the Edge: The Philosophy of Mountaineering, p. 194.</ref><ref>CHILD, Greg. Mixed Emotions: Mountaineering Writings, p. 147.</ref> where [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] have fought intermittently since 13 April 1984. Both countries maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over {{convert|6000|m}}. More than 2000 people have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of [[mountain warfare]].{{citation needed|date=May | The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth,<ref>VAUSE, Mikel. Peering Over the Edge: The Philosophy of Mountaineering, p. 194.</ref><ref>CHILD, Greg. Mixed Emotions: Mountaineering Writings, p. 147.</ref> where [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] have fought intermittently since 13 April 1984. Both countries maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over {{convert|6000|m}}. More than 2000 people have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of [[mountain warfare]].{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} | ||
The conflict in Siachen stems from the incompletely demarcated territory on the map beyond the map coordinate known as [[NJ9842]] ({{Coord|35.008371|77.008805}}). The 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] and 1972 [[Simla Agreement]] did not clearly mention who controlled the glacier, merely stating that the Cease Fire Line (CFL) terminated at NJ9842.<ref name=":0" /> UN officials presumed there would be no dispute between India and Pakistan over such a cold and barren region.<ref>Modern world history- Chapter-The Indian subcontinent achieves independence/The Coldest War.</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} | The conflict in Siachen stems from the incompletely demarcated territory on the map beyond the map coordinate known as [[NJ9842]] ({{Coord|35.008371|77.008805}}). The 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] and 1972 [[Simla Agreement]] did not clearly mention who controlled the glacier, merely stating that the Cease Fire Line (CFL) terminated at NJ9842.<ref name=":0" /> UN officials presumed there would be no dispute between India and Pakistan over such a cold and barren region.<ref>Modern world history- Chapter-The Indian subcontinent achieves independence/The Coldest War.</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} | ||
===Paragraph B 2 (d) of Karachi Agreement=== | ===Paragraph B 2 (d) of Karachi Agreement=== | ||
Following the UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949, the line between India and Pakistan was demarcated up to point NJ9842 at the foot of the Siachen Glacier. The largely inaccessible terrain beyond this point was not demarcated,<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author1=P R Chari|author2=Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema|author3=Stephen P Cohen|title=Perception, Politics and Security in South Asia: The Compound Crisis of 1990 (2003)|publisher=Routledge (London); 1 edition (May 16, 2003)|isbn=978-0415307970|page=53|edition=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AW3zXB85gNoC&q=none+of+these+explanations+are+mutually+exclusive+and+none+seem+to+fully+explain+the+onset&pg=PA53|access-date=4 June 2015|date=2 September | Following the UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949, the line between India and Pakistan was demarcated up to point NJ9842 at the foot of the Siachen Glacier. The largely inaccessible terrain beyond this point was not demarcated,<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author1=P R Chari|author2=Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema|author3=Stephen P Cohen|title=Perception, Politics and Security in South Asia: The Compound Crisis of 1990 (2003)|publisher=Routledge (London); 1 edition (May 16, 2003)|isbn=978-0415307970|page=53|edition=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AW3zXB85gNoC&q=none+of+these+explanations+are+mutually+exclusive+and+none+seem+to+fully+explain+the+onset&pg=PA53|access-date=4 June 2015|date=2 September 2003}}</ref> but delimited as '''thence north to the glaciers''' in paragraph B 2 (d) of the Karachi Agreement. | ||
Paragraph B 2 (d) of 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] states: | Paragraph B 2 (d) of 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] states: | ||
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=== Historic maps of Siachen Glacier === | === Historic maps of Siachen Glacier === | ||
Maps from Pakistan, the United Nations and various global atlases depicted the CFL ending at NJ9842 until the mid 1960s.<ref name=tribune/> United States Defense Mapping Agency (now [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]]) began in about 1967 to show a boundary on their Tactical Pilotage Charts as proceeding from NJ9842 east-northeast to the [[Karakoram Pass]] at 5,534 m (18,136 ft) on the China border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/tpc/txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566_g-7d.jpg|date=1967|title=TPC G-7D|publisher=US Defense Mapping Agency|access-date=5 January | Maps from Pakistan, the United Nations and various global atlases depicted the CFL ending at NJ9842 until the mid 1960s.<ref name=tribune/> United States Defense Mapping Agency (now [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]]) began in about 1967 to show a boundary on their Tactical Pilotage Charts as proceeding from NJ9842 east-northeast to the [[Karakoram Pass]] at 5,534 m (18,136 ft) on the China border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/tpc/txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566_g-7d.jpg|date=1967|title=TPC G-7D|publisher=US Defense Mapping Agency|access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> This line was replicated on US, Pakistani and other maps in the 1970s and 1980s, which India believed to be a [[Cartography#Cartographic errors|cartographic error]].<ref name="Outsideonline.com"/> | ||
{|style="margin: 0 auto;" | {|style="margin: 0 auto;" | ||
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June – July 1987: [[Operation Rajiv]]: Over the next three years, with Indian troops positioned at the critical passes, Pakistan Army attempted to seize heights overlooking the passes. One of the biggest successes achieved by Pakistan in this period was the seizure of a feature overlooking Bilafond La. This feature was named "Qaid Post" and for three years it dominated Indian positions on the glacier. Pakistani Army held Qaid post overlooked Bilafond La area and offered an excellent vantage point to view Indian Army activities. On 25 June 1987 Indian Army under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Chandan Nugyal, Major Varinder Singh, Lt. Rajiv Pande and Naib Subedar [[Bana Singh]] launched a successful strike on Qaid Post and captured it from Pakistani forces.<ref name="Kunal2012">{{cite book |author=Kunal Verma |title=The Long Road to Siachen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O9-bAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT421 |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=978-81-291-2704-4 |chapter=XIV Op Rajiv |pages=415–421}}</ref> For his role in the assault, Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the [[Param Vir Chakra]] – India's highest gallantry award. The post was renamed Bana Post in his honour.<ref name="Samir2014">{{cite book |author= Samir Bhattacharya |title=Nothing But! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7GrAAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA146 |date=January 2014 |publisher=Partridge Publishing (Authorsolutions) |isbn=978-1-4828-1732-4 |pages=146–}}</ref> | June – July 1987: [[Operation Rajiv]]: Over the next three years, with Indian troops positioned at the critical passes, Pakistan Army attempted to seize heights overlooking the passes. One of the biggest successes achieved by Pakistan in this period was the seizure of a feature overlooking Bilafond La. This feature was named "Qaid Post" and for three years it dominated Indian positions on the glacier. Pakistani Army held Qaid post overlooked Bilafond La area and offered an excellent vantage point to view Indian Army activities. On 25 June 1987 Indian Army under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Chandan Nugyal, Major Varinder Singh, Lt. Rajiv Pande and Naib Subedar [[Bana Singh]] launched a successful strike on Qaid Post and captured it from Pakistani forces.<ref name="Kunal2012">{{cite book |author=Kunal Verma |title=The Long Road to Siachen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O9-bAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT421 |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=978-81-291-2704-4 |chapter=XIV Op Rajiv |pages=415–421}}</ref> For his role in the assault, Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the [[Param Vir Chakra]] – India's highest gallantry award. The post was renamed Bana Post in his honour.<ref name="Samir2014">{{cite book |author= Samir Bhattacharya |title=Nothing But! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7GrAAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA146 |date=January 2014 |publisher=Partridge Publishing (Authorsolutions) |isbn=978-1-4828-1732-4 |pages=146–}}</ref> | ||
September 1987: Operation Vajrashakti/Op Qaidat: The Pakistan Army under Brig. Gen. [[Pervez Musharraf]] (later [[President of Pakistan]]) launched Operation Qaidat to retake Qaid peak. For this purpose units from Pakistan Army [[Special Services Group|SSG]] (1st and 3rd battalions) assembled a major task force at the newly constructed Khaplu garrison.<ref>{{cite book|author=J. N. Dixit | title=India-Pakistan in war & peace| publisher=Routledge | isbn=0-415-30472-5| author-link=J. N. Dixit| year= | September 1987: Operation Vajrashakti/Op Qaidat: The Pakistan Army under Brig. Gen. [[Pervez Musharraf]] (later [[President of Pakistan]]) launched Operation Qaidat to retake Qaid peak. For this purpose units from Pakistan Army [[Special Services Group|SSG]] (1st and 3rd battalions) assembled a major task force at the newly constructed Khaplu garrison.<ref>{{cite book|author=J. N. Dixit | title=India-Pakistan in war & peace| publisher=Routledge | isbn=0-415-30472-5| author-link=J. N. Dixit| year=2002}}(pp. 39)</ref> Having detected Pakistani movements ahead of Operation Qaidat, the Indian Army initiated Op Vajrashakti to secure the now renamed Bana Post from Pakistani attack.<ref name="Naveen (Retired)">[https://cosmicwarrior.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/op-rajiv-a-battle-that-broke-pakistans-adventurism-on-the-glacier/ Op Rajeev] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713163003/https://cosmicwarrior.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/op-rajiv-a-battle-that-broke-pakistans-adventurism-on-the-glacier/ |date=13 July 2015 }}, 18 September 2007</ref><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=31–32 |date=17 June 2015 |publisher=Elsevier |author2=Nusser, Marcus |doi=10.1016/j.polgeo.2015.05.001 |volume=48 |journal=Political Geography |df=dmy-all |doi-access=free }}</ref> | ||
March – May 1989: In March 1989 Operation Ibex by the Indian Army attempted to seize the Pakistani post overlooking the Chumik Glacier. The operation was unsuccessful at dislodging Pakistani troops from their positions. Indian Army under Brig. R. K. Nanavatty launched an artillery attack on Kauser Base, the Pakistani logistical node in Chumik and successfully destroyed it. The destruction of Kauser Base induced Pakistani troops to vacate Chumik posts concluding Operation Ibex.<ref name="Brig. Javed Hassan (Retired)">[http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ The fight for Siachen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702235210/http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ |date=2 July 2015 }}, Brig. Javed Hassan (Retd) 22 April 2012, The Tribune (Pakistan)</ref> | March – May 1989: In March 1989 Operation Ibex by the Indian Army attempted to seize the Pakistani post overlooking the Chumik Glacier. The operation was unsuccessful at dislodging Pakistani troops from their positions. Indian Army under Brig. R. K. Nanavatty launched an artillery attack on Kauser Base, the Pakistani logistical node in Chumik and successfully destroyed it. The destruction of Kauser Base induced Pakistani troops to vacate Chumik posts concluding Operation Ibex.<ref name="Brig. Javed Hassan (Retired)">[http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ The fight for Siachen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702235210/http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ |date=2 July 2015 }}, Brig. Javed Hassan (Retd) 22 April 2012, The Tribune (Pakistan)</ref> | ||
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In [[In the Line of Fire: A Memoir|his memoirs]], former [[President of Pakistan|Pakistani president]] General [[Pervez Musharraf]] states that Pakistan lost almost {{convert|986|sqmi|km2}} of territory that it claimed.<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]]'' states that the Indian advance captured nearly {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2}} of territory claimed by Pakistan.<ref name="time.com"/> | In [[In the Line of Fire: A Memoir|his memoirs]], former [[President of Pakistan|Pakistani president]] General [[Pervez Musharraf]] states that Pakistan lost almost {{convert|986|sqmi|km2}} of territory that it claimed.<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]]'' states that the Indian advance captured nearly {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2}} of territory claimed by Pakistan.<ref name="time.com"/> | ||
Further attempts to reclaim positions were launched by Pakistan in 1990, 1995, 1996 and even in early 1999, just prior to the [[Lahore Declaration|Lahore Summit]].{{citation needed|date=August | Further attempts to reclaim positions were launched by Pakistan in 1990, 1995, 1996 and even in early 1999, just prior to the [[Lahore Declaration|Lahore Summit]].{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} | ||
The Indian army controls all of the {{convert|76|km|mi}} and 2553sq km area long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|title=846 Indian soldiers have died in Siachen since 1984|first=Ajai|last=Shukla|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=28 August 2012|via=Business Standard|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171333/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> immediately west of the glacier, including [[Sia La]], [[Bilafond La]], and [[Gyong La]]—thus holding onto the tactical advantage of high ground.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|quote= Detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987|title= Confrontation at Siachen, 26 June 1987|publisher= Bharat-rakshak.com|access-date= 9 September 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160917012222/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|archive-date= 17 September 2016|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote=Contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|title=War|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905053811/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|archive-date=5 September 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="fronltine_hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/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=A working paper on Kashmir | date=10 March 2006 | access-date=9 September 2016 | author=NOORANI, A.G. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072101/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm | archive-date=11 January 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{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= 20 February 2009 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date= 23 May 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |title= Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone |access-date= 9 September 2016 |last= Hakeem |first= Asad |author2= Gurmeet Kanwal |author3= Michael Vannoni |author4= Gaurav Rajen |date= 1 September 2007 |work= Sandia Report |publisher= Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170128004555/http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |archive-date= 28 January 2017 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</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]]. 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 this quote|date=April | The Indian army controls all of the {{convert|76|km|mi}} and 2553sq km area long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|title=846 Indian soldiers have died in Siachen since 1984|first=Ajai|last=Shukla|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=28 August 2012|via=Business Standard|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171333/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> immediately west of the glacier, including [[Sia La]], [[Bilafond La]], and [[Gyong La]]—thus holding onto the tactical advantage of high ground.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|quote= Detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987|title= Confrontation at Siachen, 26 June 1987|publisher= Bharat-rakshak.com|access-date= 9 September 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160917012222/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|archive-date= 17 September 2016|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote=Contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|title=War|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905053811/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|archive-date=5 September 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="fronltine_hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/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=A working paper on Kashmir | date=10 March 2006 | access-date=9 September 2016 | author=NOORANI, A.G. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072101/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm | archive-date=11 January 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{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= 20 February 2009 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date= 23 May 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |title= Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone |access-date= 9 September 2016 |last= Hakeem |first= Asad |author2= Gurmeet Kanwal |author3= Michael Vannoni |author4= Gaurav Rajen |date= 1 September 2007 |work= Sandia Report |publisher= Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170128004555/http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |archive-date= 28 January 2017 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all }}</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]]. 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 this quote|date=April 2018}} | ||
The line between where Indian and Pakistani troops are presently holding onto their respective posts is being increasingly referred to as the [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL).<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm Confirm ground position line on Siachen: BJP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141542/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm |date=11 December 2008 }} – 29 April 2006, ''[[The Hindu]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 Guns to fall silent on Indo-Pak borders] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120527072843/www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 |date=27 May 2012 }} 26 November 2003 – ''[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]''</ref> | The line between where Indian and Pakistani troops are presently holding onto their respective posts is being increasingly referred to as the [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL).<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm Confirm ground position line on Siachen: BJP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141542/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm |date=11 December 2008 }} – 29 April 2006, ''[[The Hindu]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 Guns to fall silent on Indo-Pak borders] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120527072843/www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 |date=27 May 2012 }} 26 November 2003 – ''[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]''</ref> | ||
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On 19 January 2019, 7 Indian Army soldiers were killed as result of an avalanche in Siachen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-more-bodies-found-at-ladakh-avalanche-site-number-of-dead-rise-to-7-1980232|title=2 More Bodies Found At Ladakh Avalanche Site, Number Of Dead Rise To 7|date=19 January 2019|work=NDTV}}</ref> | On 19 January 2019, 7 Indian Army soldiers were killed as result of an avalanche in Siachen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-more-bodies-found-at-ladakh-avalanche-site-number-of-dead-rise-to-7-1980232|title=2 More Bodies Found At Ladakh Avalanche Site, Number Of Dead Rise To 7|date=19 January 2019|work=NDTV}}</ref> | ||
On 3 June 2019, Indian defense minister [[Rajnath Singh]] visited the Indian army's forward posts and base camp in Siachen. He interacted with the Indian soldiers deployed in Siachen and commended their courage. He claimed that more than 1,100 Indian soldiers have died defending the Siachen glacier.<ref name="supreme"/><ref name="supreme sacrifice"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajnath-to-visit-siachen-today-with-army-chief/story-xe8OARfsMq3oL7jVFlEPVP.html|title='I salute,' tweets defence minister Rajnath Singh from Siachen Glacier|work=Hindustan Times|date=3 June | On 3 June 2019, Indian defense minister [[Rajnath Singh]] visited the Indian army's forward posts and base camp in Siachen. He interacted with the Indian soldiers deployed in Siachen and commended their courage. He claimed that more than 1,100 Indian soldiers have died defending the Siachen glacier.<ref name="supreme"/><ref name="supreme sacrifice"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajnath-to-visit-siachen-today-with-army-chief/story-xe8OARfsMq3oL7jVFlEPVP.html|title='I salute,' tweets defence minister Rajnath Singh from Siachen Glacier|work=Hindustan Times|date=3 June 2019}}</ref> | ||
From 18 to 30 November 2019, 6 Indian soldiers and 2 Indian civilians porters were killed as result of an avalanche in the northern and southern part of Siachen glacier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/two-soldiers-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen/articleshow/72310427.cms|title=Two soldiers killed as avalanche hits Army patrol in Siachen|date=30 November 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/2-army-soldiers-killed-in-avalanche-in-siachen-1623979-2019-11-30|title=2 Army soldiers killed in avalanche in Siachen|work=India Today}}</ref> | From 18 to 30 November 2019, 6 Indian soldiers and 2 Indian civilians porters were killed as result of an avalanche in the northern and southern part of Siachen glacier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/two-soldiers-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen/articleshow/72310427.cms|title=Two soldiers killed as avalanche hits Army patrol in Siachen|date=30 November 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/2-army-soldiers-killed-in-avalanche-in-siachen-1623979-2019-11-30|title=2 Army soldiers killed in avalanche in Siachen|work=India Today}}</ref> | ||