The Indian Army has firmly rejected China’s renewed claim over the Shaksgam Valley, with Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stating that India does not approve of any activity in the region and considers Beijing’s position unacceptable.
Addressing his annual press conference ahead of the 78th Army Day, the Army Chief underlined that India views the so-called China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963—under which Pakistan illegally ceded around 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to China—as invalid and illegal.
“We do not approve of any activity in Shaksgam Valley,” Gen Dwivedi said, reiterating India’s long-standing stance that the region is an integral part of India. He added that New Delhi does not recognise infrastructure projects carried out under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, as they pass through Indian territory under forcible and illegal occupation.
China’s Claim Rejected
The remarks came a day after Beijing reaffirmed that Shaksgam Valley belongs to China and claimed it was justified in building infrastructure there. Responding to this, the Army Chief said India does not accept statements issued by China on CPEC or related activities undertaken in collaboration with Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also reiterated that Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory and that New Delhi has never recognised the 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan.
Situation Along the LAC
On the broader situation along the northern borders, Gen Dwivedi said the Line of Actual Control remains stable but requires constant vigilance. He noted that apex-level military and diplomatic engagements, renewed contacts, and confidence-building measures have contributed to gradual normalisation.
“These efforts have enabled activities like grazing and welfare camps along the borders,” he said, adding that India’s deployment along the LAC remains balanced and robust, supported by ongoing infrastructure development through a whole-of-government approach.
The Army Chief confirmed that patrolling in Demchok and Depsang in eastern Ladakh has resumed after a gap of over four years, restoring the ground situation to pre-April 2020 levels.
Pakistan and Terror Camps
Turning to the western front, Gen Dwivedi said terrorist-initiated incidents have dropped to near zero following Operation Sindoor, India’s calibrated military response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. However, he cautioned that eight terror camps remain active in Pakistan, with an estimated 100–150 terrorists present.
“Any future misadventure directed against India will be responded to resolutely,” he warned, emphasising that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s readiness, precision, and strategic clarity.
The Army Chief’s remarks underscored India’s unwavering position on territorial sovereignty, rejection of illegal agreements, and commitment to maintaining peace through preparedness and vigilance along both the northern and western fronts.
