The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalayas, and is considered as the world`s highest battlefield due to its extreme weather conditions and high altitude. For over three decades, India and Pakistan have been in conflict over control of the Siachen Glacier, which led to a tense military standoff, situated at an elevation of over 20,000 feet.
On February 11, 2021, India and Pakistan signed a landmark agreement to stop firing along the Line of Control (LoC), which included the Siachen Glacier. It is being hailed as a significant move towards peace in the region, where skirmishes between the two neighbours are frequent.
The Siachen Glacier dispute dates back to 1984, when India launched Operation Meghdoot to secure the glacier to prevent Pakistan from occupying it. Since then, both countries have maintained military posts and patrols along the glaciated region. The situation has resulted in numerous casualties due to extreme weather conditions, avalanches and crevasses.
The recent agreement is an important development in the context of the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan. The ceasefire deal has raised hopes for further peace talks and negotiations between the two countries.
The agreement has been welcomed by the international community, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commending the efforts made by India and Pakistan to maintain peace in the region. The move also reflects the new government`s focus on peace-building and diplomatic efforts.
The agreement signed over the Siachen Glacier is a welcome step towards reducing tensions and promoting peace between India and Pakistan. It is hoped that this agreement will pave the way for further dialogue and negotiations between the two countries to resolve other outstanding issues.