Siachen Day | 14 Apr 2025

Source: BS 

Siachen Day (13^th April) commemorates Operation Meghdoot, which marked India’s successful military control of the Siachen Glacier in 1984. 

• Siachen: Located at around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Range, is the longest glacier in this range and highest militarized zone globally. The Saltoro Ridge, part of the Karakoram, lies southwest of the Siachen Glacier. 
  • Siachen plays a crucial role in controlling routes from Gilgit-Baltistan to Leh and the Karakoram Pass. 
  • The Karachi Agreement of 1949 demarcated the boundary between India and Pakistan until a point called NJ9842, beyond which the line was left vague due to inhospitable terrain, stating it would run “thence North to the glaciers” (referring to the Siachen, Rimo, and Baltoro glaciers). 
  • Post-1972 Simla Agreement, the Line of Control (LoC) was formalized but did not address the area beyond NJ9842. 
  • In the 1980s, Pakistan sought to legitimize its claim over the Saltoro Ridge and beyond Siachen, aiming for direct connectivity to China and strategic control over the Ladakh region, posing a significant threat to India. 
• Operation Meghdoot: On 13th April 1984, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India launched Operation Meghdoot, securing control of the Siachen Glacier and Saltoro Ridge, including key passes like Bilafond La and Sia La.  
  • This move preempted Pakistan’s presence, ensuring strategic oversight of the Ladakh region and blocking access to the Shaksgam Valley. 
  • Operation Meghdoot involved airlifting troops and supplies, with Indian Air Force helicopters playing a crucial role. It marked the first military assault in the world's highest battlefield.