Operation Meghdoot at 41

April 13, 2025, marks 41 years since India launched Operation Meghdoot (1984) and captured the Siachen Glacier.

Strategic Significance of Siachen

• Siachen Glacier is a 76-km long glacier in the Karakoram Range of Ladakh.
• Located at a height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Mountain range, the Siachen Glacier is known as the highest militarised zone around the world.
• It lies between:
  • Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the west
  • Shaksgam Valley (illegally given to China by Pakistan in 1963) in the north
  • Depsang Plains and LAC with China in the east
• Strategic wedge: Siachen sits like a “strategic wedge” between Pakistan and China — giving India control over a crucial triangular zone in the high Himalayas.
• The region controls key high-altitude terrain. It overlooks:

• Gilgit-Baltistan (PoK) on the west
• Depsang Plains and Karakoram Pass on the east
• Shaksgam Valley (ceded to China) on the north

• Indian Army dominates Saltoro Ridge, giving a military advantage over both Pakistan and China.

What’s the Dispute?

• After the 1947-48 war, the Karachi Agreement (1949) defined a Ceasefire Line (CFL).
• After the 1971 war, the Shimla Agreement (1972) renamed it Line of Control (LoC).
• BUT — from Point NJ 9842 (a map reference), the LoC is not clearly defined.
• The CFL said it extends “northwards to the glaciers” — but India and Pakistan interpret this differently:
• Pakistan: Wants the line to move northeast to Karakoram Pass (which would give it control of Siachen).
• India: Interprets “northwards” as running along the Saltoro Ridge, which it captured in 1984.

How Did India Capture Siachen? (Operation Meghdoot)

• On April 13, 1984 (Baisakhi Day), under PM Indira Gandhi, India launched Operation Meghdoot.
• Indian troops from 4 Kumaon Regiment were airlifted to Bilafond La (a 17,880 ft mountain pass).
• The Indian Army occupied key passes along the Saltoro Ridge and raised the national flag.
• Pakistan tried to recapture these areas but failed.
• Today, nearly all the aircraft of the Air Force, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Chinook, Apache, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III and Mk IV, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, C-17, C-130 J, IL-76 and An-32 operate in support of Operation Meghdoot.

Why is China Now a Bigger Concern?

• China, not Pakistan, is now seen as the bigger threat around Siachen.
• Chinese PLA could launch a westward military thrust through the Depsang Plains to:
  • Cut off the DSDBO Road (India’s lifeline to Karakoram Pass)
  • Capture Saser La, which could threaten the Siachen base camp
• China’s Silent Expansion Near PoK: China is present in PoK under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Karakoram Highway (part of CPEC) passes close to Siachen. China also sends workers as “dam and road builders” — increasing influence near Indian positions.
• India has deployed tanks, artillery, advanced systems and troops to stop such a move.
• Strategic Infrastructure Nearby: DSDBO Road (255 km) links Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie, near Karakoram Pass. If China cuts this road, Indian access to northern Ladakh is threatened.