Shaksgam Valley Deal Illegal: Indian Army Chief Slams Pakistan-China Pact Amid CPEC Expansion

In a bold first press conference of 2026, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declared the 1963 Pakistan-China agreement on Shaksgam Valley illegal. Speaking from New Delhi just hours ago, he rejected any activities in the region, especially China's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. This comes amid rising concerns over Beijing's infrastructure push in territory India claims as its own.

The statement underscores India's firm stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where Shaksgam Valley—part of Jammu and Kashmir—lies under Chinese control. General Dwivedi echoed the Ministry of External Affairs, dismissing a recent joint China statement on CPEC 2.0 as unlawful.

Why Shaksgam Valley Matters Now

Shaksgam Valley, nestled in the Karakoram range northeast of Siachen Glacier, is no remote outpost. It's strategically vital near the India-China-Pakistan tri-junction, linking to the Karakoram Pass.

Reports reveal China building a 75 km-long, 10-meter-wide all-weather road here. This alters ground realities in India's sovereign territory, heightening Ladakh and Siachen security risks. Ladakh Lt Governor Kavindra Gupta reinforced this, stating PoK belongs to India and warning against China's "expansionist policies." He added India has evolved since 1962—any aggression will face a strong response.

• Historical Context: Post-1947 J&K accession, Shaksgam Valley became Indian. Pakistan ceded it to China in 1963 amid 1950s incursions, ignoring India's protests.
  
  

• Current Trigger: Post-Doklam, China's military buildup and CPEC extensions through PoK fuel tensions.
  
  

• Strategic Impact: CPEC corridor enhances Pakistan-China connectivity, threatening India's northern borders.
  
  

India's Unwavering Position

General Dwivedi clarified: "We do not approve of any activity in the valley." Experts like retired Lt Gen DS Hooda note this reaffirms India's map, where Shaksgam Valley remains integral. The MEA monitors closely, signaling diplomatic pushback.

This flare-up matters right now amid global shifts—US-China rivalry and India's border pacts like Quad amplify Delhi's resolve. China's actions risk escalation, but India's military modernization deters adventurism.

Path Forward for India

For citizens, this highlights border vigilance. Actionable steps include:

• Supporting diplomatic protests via petitions.
  
  

• Staying informed on PoK developments.
  
  

• Backing self-reliance in defense tech.
  
  

India's message is clear: Shaksgam Valley is non-negotiable. As CPEC advances, New Delhi's vigilance protects sovereignty.

Introduction: A Silent but Strategic Milestone

India recently inaugurated the Shyok Tunnel in Eastern Ladakh, a development that may not have grabbed headlines but carries immense strategic weight. Opened virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the tunnel is part of a larger push to strengthen India’s border infrastructure near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). At a time when India-China relations remain tense, this project signals a decisive shift in India’s border security approach.

Where Is the Shyok Tunnel and Why Does It Matter?

The Shyok Tunnel, around 920 metres long, is located on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie (DS-DBO) Road, a crucial axis running parallel to the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Built using the cut-and-cover technique by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the tunnel ensures uninterrupted connectivity between Leh and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO)—India’s northernmost military post.

This route lies close to the strategically vital Karakoram Pass, making the tunnel far more than just an infrastructure upgrade.

Military Significance: From Reaction to Deterrence

From a defence perspective, the Shyok Tunnel is a force multiplier. Earlier, this route was frequently blocked due to:

 Avalanches

 Landslides

 Flash floods

 Extreme winter conditions

With the tunnel now operational, India gains all-weather connectivity, enabling:

 Faster troop deployment

 Smooth rotation of forces

 Reliable logistics even during peak winters

Experts point out that this significantly reduces India’s dependence on expensive air logistics and allows heavy military equipment, artillery, fuel, and ammunition to be transported by road.

Countering China’s Infrastructure Edge

China has heavily invested in high-quality roads, railways, and logistics hubs in Aksai Chin, Tibet, and Xinjiang. For years, this created an infrastructure asymmetry along the LAC. The Shyok Tunnel helps bridge this gap, reflecting India’s transition from a reactive border posture to a deterrence-based strategy.

As one defence analyst notes, “Infrastructure today is not development alone—it is national security.”

Beyond Defence: Civilian and Economic Benefits

While strategically critical, the Shyok Tunnel also delivers civilian benefits:

 Improved year-round connectivity for local communities

 Faster access to healthcare and essential supplies

 Boost to adventure and eco-tourism

 Employment opportunities in remote border regions

Additionally, the tunnel will play a vital role in disaster management, medical evacuations, and emergency relief during natural calamities.

A Broader Vision of National Security

The Shyok Tunnel was inaugurated alongside 124 other strategic border projects, including roads, bridges, and memorials such as the Galwan War Memorial. Together, they underline India’s evolving doctrine—infrastructure as a symbol of sovereignty and resolve.

Conclusion: Small Tunnel, Big Message

The Shyok Tunnel may be modest in length, but its impact is massive. It strengthens India’s military readiness, supports local development, and sends a clear geopolitical message: India is committed to securing its borders, permanently and decisively. In the high-altitude chessboard of Ladakh, this tunnel is a strategic move worth noting.