India Reiterates Sovereignty Over Shaksgam Valley, Rejects China–Pakistan Claims
India has firmly reiterated that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of its territory. The nation rejects any infrastructure projects, agreements, or understandings that pass through what it considers illegally occupied land. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored that New Delhi does not recognise the China–Pakistan understanding over the region. It continues to oppose the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) because of concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India’s Position on Shaksgam Valley
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to media queries. He stated that the Shaksgam Valley is part of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.
Key Points of India’s Stand:
- Shaksgam Valley is part of Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh) under Indian sovereignty
- India has never accepted the China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963
- Pakistan had no legal authority to cede territory that India considers its own
India’s position remains that any action taken by Pakistan in areas under its illegal occupation has no legal validity.
Rejection of the 1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement
The MEA categorically reiterated that the 1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement is illegal and invalid.
India’s Legal Argument:
- Pakistan illegally occupied parts of Jammu & Kashmir
- It therefore lacked the sovereign right to transfer or negotiate territory
- Any agreement signed under such circumstances is null and void
India has consistently conveyed this position to China. It asserts that bilateral arrangements between Beijing and Islamabad cannot alter India’s territorial claims.
Objections to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
India once again restated its categorical opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Why India Opposes CPEC:
- Parts of CPEC pass through Indian territory under Pakistani occupation
- It violates India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
- It legitimises Pakistan’s illegal control over parts of Jammu & Kashmir
India has repeatedly urged China to respect international norms and India’s territorial claims, stressing that economic projects cannot override sovereignty concerns.
Strategic and Diplomatic Significance
- Reinforces India’s consistent legal position on Jammu & Kashmir
- Signals firm opposition to third-party legitimisation of territorial disputes
- Highlights India’s resistance to BRI projects in disputed regions
- Underlines Ladakh’s centrality in India’s strategic calculus
This stance also reflects India’s broader approach of combining diplomatic assertion with legal consistency in territorial disputes.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Shaksgam Valley → Part of UT of Ladakh (India)
- Controlled by → China, ceded by Pakistan in 1963
- 1963 China–Pakistan Agreement → Not recognised by India
- CPEC → Passes through PoK / Gilgit-Baltistan
- India’s objection → Sovereignty & territorial integrity
- MEA spokesperson → Randhir Jaiswal
Relevance for UPSC Prelims & Mains
UPSC Prelims:
- Shaksgam Valley location and dispute
- CPEC and Belt and Road Initiative
- India–China–Pakistan territorial issues
UPSC Mains:
GS Paper II (International Relations):
- India–China relations
- India–Pakistan disputes
- Sovereignty and international agreements
GS Paper III (Security):
- Strategic importance of Ladakh
- Infrastructure and security in border areas
Value Addition Line:
“India’s rejection of CPEC and the 1963 agreement reflects its principle that economic initiatives cannot legitimise illegal territorial occupation.”
FAQs
It lies in the trans-Karakoram region and is claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
Because Pakistan had no legal right to cede territory that India considers its own.
CPEC passes through Indian territory under Pakistani occupation, violating sovereignty.
No, it is under Chinese control, but India maintains its legal claim.
Yes, India has conveyed its position to China on multiple occasions.
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