View source for Siachen conflict

{{Short description|1984–2003 territorial conflict between India and Pakistan in Kashmir}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Siachen conflict
| partof            = the [[Kashmir conflict]]
| image             = Kashmir map.svg
| image_size        = 300
| caption           = Labelled map of the greater [[Kashmir]] region; the Siachen Glacier lies in the [[Karakoram|Karakoram Range]] and its snout is situated less than {{cvt|50|km|mi}} north of the [[Ladakh Range]]
| date              = {{Start date|df=yes|1984|04|13}} – {{End date|df=yes|2003|11|25}}<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |title=India, Pak. ceasefire comes into being |last=Baruah |first=Amit |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=26 November 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124092845/http://www.thehindu.com/2003/11/26/stories/2003112604940100.htm |archive-date=24 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrKYBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |title=The Global Rise of Asian Transformation: Trends and Developments in Economic Growth Dynamics |publisher=Springer |year=2014 |isbn=9781137412362 |editor1=P. Hoontrakul |editor2=C. Balding |editor3=R. Marwah |edition=illustrated |page=37 |quote=Siachen conflict (1984—2003)<br>Victorious: India  / Defeated: Pakistan |access-date=21 April 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231144/https://books.google.com/books?id=RrKYBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA37 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=04|day1=13|year1=1984|month2=11|day2=25|year2=2003}})
| place             = [[Siachen Glacier]], Kashmir
| result            = Indian victory
| territory         = India gains control of {{convert|2500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}<ref name=":1" /> of territory in the glacier region, incorporates it into the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] (now [[Ladakh]])
| combatant1        = {{flag|India}}
| combatant2        = {{flag|Pakistan}}
| commander1        = {{plainlist|
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Colonel (India)|Col.]] [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra Kumar]]
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt. Gen.]] [[Prem Nath Hoon|P. N. Hoon]]
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt. Gen.]] [[Manohar Lal Chibber|M. L. Chibber]]
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt. Gen.]] Ramesh Kulkarni <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=66uJEAAAQBAJ|title=Siachen, 1987: Battle for the Frozen Frontier|isbn=978-93-5629-473-8 |last1=Kulkarni |first1=Ramesh |last2=Karpe |first2=Anjali |date=26 October 2022 |publisher=Harper Collins }}</ref>
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Major general (India)|Maj. Gen.]] Shiv Sharma
* {{flagicon|India|army}} [[Brigadier|Brig.]] [[V. R. Raghavan]]
* {{flagicon|India|army}} Brig. C. S. Nugyal
* {{flagicon|India|army}} Brig. R. K. Nanavatty
* {{flagicon|India|army}} Brig. V. K. Jaitley
}}
| commander2        = {{plainlist|
* {{flagicon|Pakistan|army}} Brig. [[Pervez Musharraf]]
* {{flagicon|Pakistan|army}} Brig. T. M. Shaheed
* {{flagicon|Pakistan|army}} [[Major (rank)|Maj.]] Muhammad A. K. Bangash
}}
| strength1         = 3,000+<ref name="story">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html | magazine=Time | title=War at the Top of the World | date=7 November 2005 | access-date=11 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412045808/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528-1,00.html | archive-date=12 April 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| strength2         = 3,000<ref name="story"/>
| casualties1       = {{plainlist|
* 36 casualties during initial conflict<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-chief-to-visit-siachen-this-week/articleshow/73147134.cms|title=Army chief to visit Siachen this week|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 January 2020|access-date=8 January 2020|archive-date=8 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108032043/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-chief-to-visit-siachen-this-week/articleshow/73147134.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="weekley">{{cite book|title=The Illustrated Weekly of India – Volume 110, Issues 14–26|quote=Pakistani troops were forced out with over 200 casualties as against 36 Indian fatalities|publisher=Times of India}}</ref>
* 1,100+ dead (including non-combat fatalities) after initial conflict<ref name="supreme sacrifice">{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-flies-to-siachen-today-his-first-visit-as-defence-minister-2046948|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Bonds With Soldiers At Siachen Over Jalebi|publisher=NDTV|date=4 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812021002/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-flies-to-siachen-today-his-first-visit-as-defence-minister-2046948|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="supreme">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/rajnath-singh-visits-siachen-to-review-security-situation-pays-tribute-to-martyrs-pics/430401|title=Rajnath Singh visits Siachen to review security situation, pays tribute to martyrs – PICS|quote=Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the martyred soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving in Siachen. He went on to say, "More than 1,100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen glacier. The nation will always remain indebted to their service and sacrifice."|date=3 June 2019|work=Times Now News|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=7 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607142905/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/rajnath-singh-visits-siachen-to-review-security-situation-pays-tribute-to-martyrs-pics/430401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984/20120828.htm 846 Indian soldiers have died in Siachen since 1984 – Rediff.com News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912045935/http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984/20120828.htm |date=12 September 2012 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved 12 July 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/six-feared-dead-after-avalanche-hits-army-positions-in-northern-siachen/articleshow/72114684.cms|title=Six dead after avalanche hits Army positions in Northern Siachen|date=19 November 2019|work=[[The Times of India]] (TOI)|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=20 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120134647/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/six-feared-dead-after-avalanche-hits-army-positions-in-northern-siachen/articleshow/72114684.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| casualties2       = {{plainlist|
* 200 casualties during initial conflict<ref name="weekley"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/in-siachen-869-army-men-died-battling-the-elements/article7978149.ece|title=In Siachen 869 army men died battling the elements|work=The Hindu|access-date=12 December 2015|archive-date=19 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219195609/http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/in-siachen-869-army-men-died-battling-the-elements/article7978149.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Indo-Pakistani Wars}}
}}

The '''Siachen conflict''', sometimes referred to as the '''Siachen Glacier conflict''' or the '''Siachen War''', was a military conflict [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|between India and Pakistan]] over the disputed {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2|adj=mid}}<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html|title=The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World|first=Edward W.|last=Desmond|date=31 July 1989|magazine=Time|access-date=11 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114104526/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C958254-2%2C00.html|archive-date=14 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Siachen Glacier]] region in [[Kashmir]]. The conflict was started in 1984 by India's successful capture of the Siachen Glacier as part of [[Operation Meghdoot]], and continued with [[Operation Rajiv]] in 1987. India took control of the {{convert|70|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} Siachen Glacier and its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]] immediately west of the glacier, including [[Sia La]], [[Bilafond La]], and [[Gyong La]]. Pakistan controls the glacial valleys immediately west of the Saltoro Ridge.<ref name="Wirsing">{{cite book  |last = Wirsing  |first = Robert  |title = Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977–1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state  |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan, 1991  |isbn = 9780312060671|date = 15 November 1991 }}</ref><ref name="Child">{{cite book  |last = Child  |first = Greg  |title = Thin air: encounters in the Himalayas  |publisher = The Mountaineers Books, 1998  |isbn = 9780898865882  |year = 1998  |url-access = registration  |url = https://archive.org/details/thinairencounter00chil  }}{{page needed|date=April 2021}}</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} A cease-fire went into effect in 2003,<ref name="Watson">{{cite news|last=Watson|first=Paul|date=26 November 2003|title=India and Pakistan Agree to Cease-Fire in Kashmir|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-nov-26-fg-ceasefire26-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427193640/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/nov/26/world/fg-ceasefire26|archive-date=27 April 2017}}</ref> but both sides maintain a heavy military presence in the area. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, mostly due to natural hazards.<ref name=":3">{{cite magazine |last1=Wilkinson |first1=Freddie |title=How a tiny line on a map led to conflict in the Himalaya |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-a-tiny-line-on-a-map-led-to-conflict-in-the-himalaya-feature |access-date=19 November 2021 |magazine=[[National Geographic]] |date=18 February 2021|archive-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119232343/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-a-tiny-line-on-a-map-led-to-conflict-in-the-himalaya-feature |url-status=dead }}</ref> External commentators have characterized it as pointless, given the perceived uselessness of the territory, and indicative of bitter stubbornness on both sides.<ref name=":3" />

==Causes==

[[File:Un-kashmir-jammu.png|thumb|right|UN map of Siachen]]

The Siachen Glacier is the highest battleground on earth,<ref>VAUSE, Mikel.  Peering Over the Edge: The Philosophy of Mountaineering, p. 194.</ref><ref>CHILD, Greg.  Mixed Emotions: Mountaineering Writings, p. 147.</ref> where [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] have fought intermittently since 13 April 1984. Both countries maintain a permanent military presence in the region at a height of over {{convert|6000|m}}. More than 2000 people have died in this inhospitable terrain, mostly due to weather extremes and the natural hazards of [[mountain warfare]].{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

The conflict in Siachen stems from the incompletely demarcated territory on the map beyond the map coordinate known as [[NJ9842]] ({{Coord|35.008371|77.008805}}). The 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] and 1972 [[Simla Agreement]] did not clearly mention who controlled the glacier, merely stating that the Cease Fire Line (CFL) terminated at NJ9842.<ref name=":0" /> UN officials presumed there would be no dispute between India and Pakistan over such a cold and barren region.<ref>Modern world history- Chapter-The Indian subcontinent achieves independence/The Coldest War.</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}}

===Paragraph B 2 (d) of Karachi Agreement===
Following the UN-mediated ceasefire in 1949, the line between India and Pakistan was demarcated up to point NJ9842 at the foot of the Siachen Glacier. The largely inaccessible terrain beyond this point was not demarcated,<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author1=P R Chari|author2=Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema|author3=Stephen P Cohen|title=Perception, Politics and Security in South Asia: The Compound Crisis of 1990 (2003)|publisher=Routledge (London); 1 edition (16 May 2003)|isbn=978-0415307970|page=53|edition=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AW3zXB85gNoC&q=none+of+these+explanations+are+mutually+exclusive+and+none+seem+to+fully+explain+the+onset&pg=PA53|access-date=4 June 2015|date=2 September 2003|archive-date=7 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231144/https://books.google.com/books?id=AW3zXB85gNoC&q=none+of+these+explanations+are+mutually+exclusive+and+none+seem+to+fully+explain+the+onset&pg=PA53|url-status=live}}</ref> but delimited as '''thence north to the glaciers''' in paragraph B 2 (d) of the Karachi Agreement.

Paragraph B 2 (d) of 1949 [[Karachi Agreement]] states:
{{Quote| (d) From Dalunang eastwards the cease-fire line will follow the general line point 15495, Ishman, Manus, Gangam, Gunderman, Point 13620, Funkar (Point 17628), Marmak, Natsara, Shangruti (Point 1,531), Chorbat La (Point 16700), Chalunka (on the Shyok River), Khor, '''thence north to the glaciers'''. This portion of the cease-fire line shall be demarcated in detail on the basis of the factual position as of 27 July 1949, by the local commanders assisted by United Nations military observers.}}

Later, following the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], and the [[Simla Agreement]] in July 1972, the ceasefire line was converted into the "Line of Control" extending from the "''Chhamb sector on the international border [to] the Turtok-Partapur sector in the north.''"<ref name=":0" /> The detailed description of its northern end stated that from Chimbatia in the Turtok sector ''"the line of control runs north-eastwards to Thang (inclusive to India), thence eastwards joining the glaciers."'' This vague formulation further sowed the seed for the bitter dispute to follow.<ref name=":0" />

The [[United Nations|UN]] document number S/1430/Add.2.<ref>{{cite web|title=UN Map showing CFL – UN document number S/1430/Add.2|url=http://repository.un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/87063/S_1430_Add.2-EN.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|website=Dag Digital Library|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118155050/http://repository.un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/87063/S_1430_Add.2-EN.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|archive-date=18 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> is the second [[addendum]] to the 1949 Karachi Agreement, and shows the CFL marked on the Map of the State of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] as per the explanation of CFL in paragraph 'B' 2 (d) of the Karachi Agreement.

==== U.N. map of ceasefire line ====
Title of UN document number S/1430/Add.2 which illustrates the CFL as per the Karachi Agreement reads:

<blockquote>Map of the State of Jammu and Kashmir showing the Cease Fire Line as Agreed Upon in the Karachi Agreement, Ratified by the Governments of India and Pakistan on 29 and 30 July Respectively. (See Annex 26 to the third Interim Report of the United Nation Commission for India and Pakistan)<ref>{{cite book|title=U.N. Commission for India and Pakistan: annexes to the interim report|publisher=Dag Digital Library – the United Nations|page=83|url=http://repository.un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/87062/S_1430_Add.1-EN.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|access-date=3 June 2015|ref=Document symbol: S/1430/Add.1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118155050/http://repository.un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/87062/S_1430_Add.1-EN.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|archive-date=18 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Treaty Series|publisher=United Nations Treaty Collection|page=274|edition=Volume 81|url=https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%2081/v81.pdf|access-date=4 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912102155/https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%2081/v81.pdf|archive-date=12 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:Page 1 - CFL as shown on UN Map to Karachi Agreement 1949.JPG|thumb|Page-1 of U.N. Map Number S/1430/Add.2 to Karachi Agreement 1949]]
| [[File:Page 2 - CFL as shown on UN Map to Karachi Agreement 1949.JPG|thumb|Page-2 of U.N. Map Number S/1430/Add.2 showing the CFL]]
| [[File:Page 3 - CFL as shown on UN Map to Karachi Agreement 1949.JPG|thumb|Page-3 U.N. Map Number S/1430/Add.2 showing the CFL up to Point NJ 9842]]
|}

[[File:India Ladakh location map UN view.svg|thumb|Present Map of Indian territory of Ladakh including entire Siachen glacier]]

A UN map showing CFL alignment superimposed on a satellite image depicts the CFL terminating at NJ9842.<ref>{{cite web|title=CFL marked on U.N. Map superimposed on satellite image|url=http://defence.pk/threads/a-few-siachen-facts-and-bluffs.377260/page-19#post-7201813|website=Pakistan Defence|date=24 May 2015 |access-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529172135/http://defence.pk/threads/a-few-siachen-facts-and-bluffs.377260/page-19#post-7201813|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The extension of this line "thence north to the glaciers" never appeared on any authoritative map associated with either the 1948 or 1972 agreements, just in the text.

=== Oropolitics ===
In 1949, a Cease-Fire Line Agreement (CFL) was signed and ratified by India, Pakistan and the UN Military Observer Group that delineated the entire CFL. In 1956–58, a scientific team led by the [[Geological Survey of India]] recorded its findings publicly including information about the Siachen and other glaciers.<ref name="tribune" />

After Pakistan ceded the {{cvt|5180|sqkm|adj=on}} [[Shaksgam Valley]] to China in a boundary agreement in 1963, Pakistan started giving approval to western expeditions to the east of [[K2|mountain K2]].<ref name="tribune">[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120421/edit.htm Facts vs bluff on Siachen, Kayani's suggestion worth pursuing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422175121/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120421/edit.htm |date=22 April 2012 }}, B.G. Verghese, Saturday, 21 April 2012, Chandigarh, India</ref> In 1957 Pakistan permitted a British expedition under [[Eric Shipton]] to approach the Siachen glacier through the Bilafond La, and recce [[Saltoro Kangri]].<ref>Himalayan Journal Vol. 21</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} Five years later a Japanese-Pakistani expedition put two Japanese and a Pakistani Army climber on top of [[Saltoro Kangri]].<ref>Himalayan Journal Vol. 25</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} These were early moves in this particular game of [[oropolitics]].

In June 1958, first [[Geological Survey of India]] expedition went to the Siachen glacier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-first-gsi-survey-of-the-siachen/article67077315.ece|title=The first GSI survey of the Siachen|newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 July 2023 |last1=Paul |first1=Amit K. }}</ref> It was the first official Indian survey of Siachen Glacier by Geological Survey of India post-1947 and that was undertaken to commemorate the [[International Geophysical Year]] in 1958. The study included snout surveying of five glaciers namely Siachen, [[Mamostong Kangri|Mamostong]], [[Chong Kumdang Ri|Chong Kumdan]], Kichik Kumdan and Aktash Glaciers in Ladakh region. 5Q 131 05 084  was the number assigned to the Siachen glacier by the expedition. In the 1970s and early 1980s several [[mountaineering]] expeditions applied to Pakistan to climb high peaks in the Siachen area due in part to US Defense Mapping Agency and most other maps and atlases showing it on the Pakistani side of the line. Pakistan granted a number of permits. This, in turn, reinforced the Pakistani claim on the area, as these expeditions arrived on the glacier with a permit obtained from the [[Government of Pakistan]]. [[Teram Kangri]] I ({{convert|7465|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=or}}) and [[Teram Kangri]] II ({{convert|7406|m|ft|abbr=on|disp=or}}) were climbed in 1975 by a Japanese expedition led by H. Katayama, which approached through Pakistan via the Bilafond La.<ref>SANGAKU 71</ref>{{full citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In 1978 a German Siachen-Kondus Expedition under the leadership of Jaroslav Poncar (further members Volker Stallbohm and Wolfgang Kohl, liaison officer major Asad Raza) entered Siachen via Bilafond La and established the base camp on the confluence of Siachen and Teram Shehr. The documentary "Expedition to the longest glacier" was shown on the 3rd channel of WDR (German TV) in 1979.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-siachen-story-the-inadvertent-role-of-two-german-explorers-in-starting-the-race-to-the-world-s-highest-battlefield|title=The Siachen Story: The Inadvertent Role of Two German Explorers in Starting the Race to the World's Highest Battlefield}}</ref>

Prior to 1984 neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area. Having become aware of US military maps and the permit incidents, [[Colonel Narendra Kumar]], then commanding officer of the Indian Army's [[High Altitude Warfare School]], mounted an Army expedition to the Siachen area as a counter-exercise. In 1978 this expedition climbed [[Teram Kangri]] II, claiming it as a first ascent in a typical "oropolitical" riposte. Unusually for the normally secretive Indian Army, the news and photographs of this expedition were published in [[The Illustrated Weekly of India]], a widely circulated popular magazine.<ref name="Outsideonline.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/1912811/coldest-war|title=Outside magazine article about Siachen battleground|publisher=Outsideonline.com|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=2 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502144702/https://www.outsideonline.com/1912811/coldest-war|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first public acknowledgment of the maneuvers and the developing conflict situation in the Siachen was an abbreviated article titled "High Politics in the Karakoram" by [[Joydeep Sircar]] in ''The Telegraph'' newspaper of [[Calcutta]] in 1982.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060515/asp/nation/story_6221947.asp |title=The Telegraph Calcutta : Nation |work=The Telegraph (India) |date=15 May 2006 |access-date=15 April 2011 |location=Calcutta, India |first=Sujan |last=Dutta |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525175651/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060515/asp/nation/story_6221947.asp |archive-date=25 May 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The full text was re-printed as "Oropolitics" in the Alpine Journal, [[London]], in 1984.<ref>Alpine Journal, 1984</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}}

=== Historic maps of Siachen Glacier ===

Maps from Pakistan, the United Nations and various global atlases depicted the CFL ending at NJ9842 until the mid 1960s.<ref name=tribune/> United States Defense Mapping Agency (now [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]]) began in about 1967 to show a boundary on their Tactical Pilotage Charts as proceeding from NJ9842 east-northeast to the [[Karakoram Pass]] at 5,534&nbsp;m (18,136&nbsp;ft) on the China border.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/tpc/txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566_g-7d.jpg|year=1967|title=TPC G-7D|publisher=US Defense Mapping Agency|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226131834/https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/tpc/txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566_g-7d.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref>  This line was replicated on US, Pakistani and other maps in the 1970s and 1980s,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/kumars-line-vs-hodgsons-line-the-lakshman-rekha-that-started-an-india-pakistan-fight/791557/|title=Kumar's line vs Hodgson's line: The 'Lakshman rekha' that started an India-Pakistan fight|website=[[ThePrint]] |date=31 December 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/books-and-art/151022/how-india-got-hodgsons-line-erased-and-won-the-race-to-siachen.html|title=How India got Hodgson's Line erased and won the race to Siachen|date=15 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/graphics/the-cartographic-nightmare-of-the-kashmir-region-explained-feature|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218093527/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/graphics/the-cartographic-nightmare-of-the-kashmir-region-explained-feature|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 February 2021|title=The 'cartographic nightmare' of the Kashmir region, explained|website=[[National Geographic Society]] }}</ref> which India believed to be a [[Cartography#Cartographic errors|cartographic error]].<ref name="Outsideonline.com"/>

{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:Old Map Showing Siachen as Part of Pakistan.jpg|thumb|right|Map showing Siachen Glacier as part of Pakistan]]
| [[File:The Trekker's Guide to the Himalaya and Karakoram 2.jpg|thumb|Map showing Siachen Glacier as part of Pakistan]]
|}

==Military expeditions==

In 1977, an Indian colonel named [[Narendra Kumar (mountaineer)|Narendra Kumar]], offended by international expeditions venturing onto the glacier from the Pakistani side, persuaded his superiors to allow him to lead a 70-man team of climbers and porters to the glacier.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine|last=Desmond/Kashmir|first=Edward W.|date=31 July 1989|title=The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html|url-status=dead|access-date=11 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114104526/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C958254-2%2C00.html|archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref> They returned in or around 1981, climbed several peaks and walked the length of Siachen.

==Major combat operations==

At army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the discovery of repeated Indian military expeditions to the glacier drove Pakistani generals to the idea of securing Siachen before India did. This operation was called Operation Ababeel. In the haste to pull together operational resources, Pakistan planners made a tactical error, according to a now-retired Pakistani army colonel. "They ordered Arctic-weather gear from a London outfitter who also supplied the Indians," says the colonel. "Once the Indians got wind of it, they ordered 300 outfits—twice as many as we had—and rushed their men up to Siachen". The acquisition of key supplies needed for operations in glaciated zones marked the start of major combat operations on the glacier.<ref name="story"/> [[File:Dogra Siachen.jpg|thumb|right|A memorial at the headquarters of the [[Dogra Regiment]] of the Indian Army in remembrance of members of the regiment who died or served in the Siachen Conflict.]]

April 1984 [[Operation Meghdoot]]: Indian Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. [[Manohar Lal Chibber]], Maj. Gen. Shiv Sharma, and Lt. Gen. [[Prem Nath Hoon|P. N. Hoon]] learned of the plan by Pakistan Army to seize Sia La, and Bilafond La, on the glacier. Indian Army launched an operation to preempt the seizure of the passes by the Pakistan Army.  Men of the Ladakh Scouts and [[Kumaon Regiment]] occupy Bilafond La on 13 April and Sia La on 17 April 1984 with the help of the [[Indian Air Force]]. Pakistan Army, in turn, learned of the presence of Ladakh Scouts on the passes during a helicopter recon mission. In response to these developments, Pakistan Army initiated an operation using troops from the Special Services Group and Northern Light Infantry to displace the three hundred or so Indian troops on the key passes. This operation led by the Pakistan Army led to the first armed clash on the glacier on 25 April 1984.<ref name="India Defence Review D.P. Ramachandran">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/siachen-glacier-battling-on-the-roof-of-the-world/|title=Siachen Glacier: Battling on the roof of the world|work=Indian Defence Review|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621194011/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/siachen-glacier-battling-on-the-roof-of-the-world/|archive-date=21 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

June – July 1987: [[Operation Rajiv]]: Over the next three years, with Indian troops positioned at the critical passes, Pakistan Army attempted to seize heights overlooking the passes. One of the biggest successes achieved by Pakistan in this period was the seizure of a feature overlooking Bilafond La. This feature was named "Qaid Post" and for three years it dominated Indian positions on the glacier. Pakistani Army held Qaid post overlooked Bilafond La area and offered an excellent vantage point to view Indian Army activities. On 25 June 1987 Indian Army under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Chandan Nugyal, Major Varinder Singh, Lt. Rajiv Pande and Naib Subedar [[Bana Singh]] launched a successful strike on Qaid Post and captured it from Pakistani forces.<ref name="Kunal2012">{{cite book |author=Kunal Verma |title=The Long Road to Siachen |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O9-bAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT421 |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa |isbn=978-81-291-2704-4 |chapter=XIV Op Rajiv |pages=415–421}}</ref> For his role in the assault, Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the [[Param Vir Chakra]] – India's highest gallantry award. The post was renamed Bana Post in his honour.<ref name="Samir2014">{{cite book |author= Samir Bhattacharya |title=Nothing But! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7GrAAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA146 |date=January 2014 |publisher=Partridge Publishing (Authorsolutions) |isbn=978-1-4828-1732-4 |pages=146–}}</ref>

September 1987: [[Operation Vajrasakti / Qaidat|Operation Vajrashakti /Operation Qaidat]]: The Pakistan Army under Brig. Gen. [[Pervez Musharraf]] (later [[President of Pakistan]]) launched Operation Qaidat to retake Qaid peak. For this purpose units from Pakistan Army [[Special Services Group|SSG]] (1st and 3rd battalions) assembled a major task force at the newly constructed Khaplu garrison.<ref>{{cite book|author=J. N. Dixit | title=India-Pakistan in war & peace| publisher=Routledge | isbn=0-415-30472-5| author-link=J. N. Dixit| year=2002}}(pp. 39)</ref> Having detected Pakistani movements ahead of Operation Qaidat,  the Indian Army initiated Op Vajrashakti to secure the now renamed Bana Post from Pakistani attack.<ref name="Naveen (Retired)">[https://cosmicwarrior.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/op-rajiv-a-battle-that-broke-pakistans-adventurism-on-the-glacier/ Op Rajeev] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713163003/https://cosmicwarrior.wordpress.com/2007/09/18/op-rajiv-a-battle-that-broke-pakistans-adventurism-on-the-glacier/ |date=13 July 2015 }}, 18 September 2007</ref><ref name="BaghelNusser">{{cite journal  |title=Securing the heights; The vertical dimension of the Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan in the Eastern Karakoram |author=Baghel, Ravi |pages=31–32 |date=17 June 2015 |publisher=Elsevier |author2=Nusser, Marcus |doi=10.1016/j.polgeo.2015.05.001 |volume=48 |journal=Political Geography |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Feb – May 1989: [[Operation Chumik/Operation Ibex]] :
In February Indian troops launched an attack on Pakistani positions and in response Pakistan started operation Chumik successfully capturing Kamran top and destroying an Indian military base <ref name=bol>{{cite news|url=https://www.bolnews.com/latest/2021/12/the-chumik-operation/|title=the chumik operation}}</ref>.In March 1989 Operation Ibex by the Indian Army attempted to seize the Pakistani post overlooking the Chumik Glacier. The operation was unsuccessful at dislodging Pakistani troops from their positions. Indian Army under Brig. R. K. Nanavatty launched an artillery attack on Kauser Base, the Pakistani logistical node in Chumik and successfully destroyed it. The destruction of Kauser Base induced Pakistani troops to vacate Chumik posts concluding Operation Ibex.<ref name="Brig. Javed Hassan (Retired)">[http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ The fight for Siachen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702235210/http://tribune.com.pk/story/368394/the-fight-for-siachen/ |date=2 July 2015 }}, Brig. Javed Hassan (Retd) 22 April 2012, ''The Express Tribune''</ref>

28 July – 3 August 1992: [[Battle of Bahadur post]]:  Indian Army launched [[Battle of Bahadur post|Operation Trishul Shakti]] to protect the Bahadur post in Chulung when it was attacked by a large Pakistani assault team. On 1 August 1992, Pakistani helicopters were attacked by an Indian [[9K38 Igla|Igla missile]] and Brig. Masood Navid Anwari (PA 10117) then Force Commander Northern Areas and other accompanying troops were killed. This led to a loss of momentum on the Pakistani side and the assault stalled.<ref>{{cite book|author=Harish Kapadia | title=Siachen Glacier: The Battle of Roses| publisher=Rupa Publications Pvt. Ltd. (India)| author-link=Harish Kapadia}}</ref>

May 1995: Battle of Tyakshi Post: Pakistan Army NLI units attacked Tyakshi post at the very southern edge of the Saltoro defense line. The attack was repulsed by Indian troops.<ref name="Lt. Gen. P. N. Hoon">[http://www.hoonslegacy.com/siachen-glacier/ Siachen- Not a Cold War] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711051815/http://www.hoonslegacy.com/siachen-glacier/ |date=11 July 2015 }}, Lt. Gen. P. N. Hoon (Retd)</ref>

June 1999: Indian Army under Brig. P. C. Katoch, Col. Konsam Himalaya Singh seized control of pt 5770 (Naveed Top/Cheema Top/Bilal Top) in the southern edge of the Saltoro defense line from Pakistan troops.<ref name="Maj. Gen. Raj Mehta (Retired)">[http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=495 Endgame at Siachen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703021722/http://www.defstrat.com/exec/frmArticleDetails.aspx?DID=495 |date=3 July 2015 }},  Maj Gen Raj Mehta, AVSM, VSM (Retd) 2 December 2014, South Asia Defence and Strategic Review</ref>

==Ground situation==
[[File:Shyok2.svg|thumb|Red dotted line is AGPL, right of which is [[Siachen Glacier]] controlled by Indian army.]]
In [[In the Line of Fire: A Memoir|his memoirs]], former [[President of Pakistan|Pakistani president]] General [[Pervez Musharraf]] states that Pakistan lost almost {{convert|986|sqmi|km2}} of territory that it claimed.<ref name="Memoirs">{{cite book|author=Pervez Musharraf | title=In the Line of Fire: A Memoir | publisher=Free Press | year=2006 | isbn=0-7432-8344-9| author-link=Pervez Musharraf | title-link=In the Line of Fire: A Memoir }}(pp. 68–69)</ref> ''[[TIME]]'' states that the Indian advance captured nearly {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2}} of territory claimed by Pakistan.<ref name="Time"/>

Further attempts to reclaim positions were launched by Pakistan in 1990, 1995, 1996 and even in early 1999, just prior to the [[Lahore Declaration|Lahore Summit]].{{citation needed|date=August 2017}}

The Indian army controls all of the {{convert|76|km|mi}} and 2553sq km area long Siachen Glacier and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as all the main passes and heights of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|title=846 Indian soldiers have died in Siachen since 1984|first=Ajai|last=Shukla|newspaper=Business Standard India |date=28 August 2012|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171333/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/846-indian-soldiers-have-died-in-siachen-since-1984-112082802005_1.html|archive-date=9 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> immediately west of the glacier, including [[Sia La]], [[Bilafond La]], and [[Gyong La]]—thus holding onto the tactical advantage of high ground.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|quote= Detailed description of Indian forces taking control of Bilafond La in 1987|title= Confrontation at Siachen, 26 June 1987|publisher= Bharat-rakshak.com|access-date= 9 September 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160917012222/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/siachen/290-confrontation.html|archive-date= 17 September 2016|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|quote=Contrary to the oft-copied misstatement in the old error-plagued summary|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|title=War|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905053811/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/siachen.htm|archive-date=5 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="fronltine_hindu">{{cite news | url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm | title=For the first time, the leaders of India and Pakistan seem close to finding a solution to the Kashmir problem. | work=A working paper on Kashmir | date=10 March 2006 | access-date=9 September 2016 | author=NOORANI, A.G. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072101/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2304/stories/20060310001704400.htm | archive-date=11 January 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9807EFDA1431F930A15756C0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=%22May%2023,%201999%22%20%22Roof%20of%20the%20World%22&st=cse |first= Barry |last= Bearak |title= THE COLDEST WAR; Frozen in Fury on the Roof of the World |access-date= 20 February 2009 |newspaper= [[The New York Times]] |date= 23 May 1999 |archive-date= 7 February 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231112/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/23/world/the-coldest-war-frozen-in-fury-on-the-roof-of-the-world.html?sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=%22May+23%2C+1999%22+%22Roof+of+the+World%22&st=cse |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |title= Demilitarization of the Siachen Conflict Zone |access-date= 9 September 2016 |last= Hakeem |first= Asad |author2= Gurmeet Kanwal |author3= Michael Vannoni |author4= Gaurav Rajen |date= 1 September 2007 |work= Sandia Report |publisher= Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, USA |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170128004555/http://www.sandia.gov/cooperative-monitoring-center/_assets/documents/sand20075670.pdf |archive-date= 28 January 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref> Indians have been able to hold on to the tactical advantage of the high ground... Most of India's many outposts are west of the Siachen Glacier along the [[Saltoro Ridge|Saltoro Range]]. In an academic study with detailed maps and satellite images, co-authored by brigadiers from both the Pakistani and Indian military, pages 16 and 27: "Since 1984, the Indian army has been in physical possession of most of the heights on the Saltoro Range west of the Siachen Glacier, while the Pakistan army has held posts at lower elevations of western slopes of the spurs emanating from the Saltoro ridgeline.  The Indian army has secured its position on the ridgeline."{{cite this quote|date=April 2018}}

The line between where Indian and Pakistani troops are presently holding onto their respective posts is being increasingly referred to as the [[Actual Ground Position Line]] (AGPL).<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm Confirm ground position line on Siachen: BJP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211141542/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042906591200.htm |date=11 December 2008 }} – 29 April 2006, ''[[The Hindu]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 Guns to fall silent on Indo-Pak borders] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120527072843/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_26-11-2003_pg1_1 |date=27 May 2012 }} 26 November 2003 – ''[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|Daily Times]]''</ref>

== Reception ==

Despite the high cost India maintains presence, as Pakistani control of Siachen would allow them to put radar and monitor all Indian airforce activity in Ladakh. It would also unite the Chinese and Pakistani front and allow them to launch a combined attack on India in case of a conflict. It saves Indian army from heavy cost of building defence infrastructure in the [[Nubra valley]]. While stakes are high for India, Pakistan cannot be threatened with Indian control of Siachen as the terrain does not allow India to launch an offensive on Pakistan but is a big question on Pakistan's ability to defend its territory claims. 1999 Kargil war was also an attempt to restrict supply route to Ladakh and Siachen.

Both sides have shown desire to vacate the glacier as there are environmental and cost concerns. There are numerous negotiations between both parties but have shown no significant progress, the process was further complicated when Pakistan violated ceasefire line in 1999 and built bunkers on Indian side and started artillery fire on Indian strategic highways resulting in 1999 Kargil War. Even if both sides agree to demilitarize a Pakistani occupation similar to 1999 will make it extremely difficult and expensive for India to reoccupy the glacier. The steady Chinese advancement in Himalayas is also a concern since 2020 Galwan Incident as the border understanding was violated and a similar incident, though unlikely is possible inflicting heavy cost on India.

Siachen is seen as a major military setback by the Pakistani Army.{{sfn|Malik|2006|p=54}}{{sfn|Gokhale|2015|p=148}} Pakistani generals view the Siachen glacier as their land, which has been stolen by India.<ref name="India Changes Course" /> When India occupied the Saltoro Ridge in April 1984, [[Benazir Bhutto]] publicly taunted the Pakistan Army as "fit only to fight its own citizens".{{sfn|Malik|2006|p=53}} When, in June 1987, the Indian Army captured the 21,153 foot high "[[Operation Rajiv|Quaid Post]]" and renamed it to "Bana Top", in honour of [[Naib Subedar]] [[Bana Singh]], Bhutto once again publicly taunted the Pakistani generals, telling them to wear bangles if they cannot fight on the Siachen.{{sfn|Malik|2006|p=53}}<ref name="Into the Untravelled Himalaya">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5l1RhMStxgC&pg=PA235 |title=Into the Untravelled Himalaya: Travels, Treks, and Climbs |last=Kapadia |first=Harish |publisher=Indus Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=9788173871818 |page=235 |access-date=21 February 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231148/https://books.google.com/books?id=-5l1RhMStxgC&pg=PA235 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Lavoy|2009|p=76}}

American observers say that the military conflict between India and Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier "made no military or political sense".<ref name="India Changes Course">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8p19H4UwE_AC&pg=PA109 |title=India Changes Course: Golden Jubilee to Millennium |last=Dettman |first=Paul R. |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2001 |isbn=9780275973087 |edition=illustrated |page=109 |access-date=21 February 2018 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231145/https://books.google.com/books?id=8p19H4UwE_AC&pg=PA109 |url-status=live }}</ref> 
An article in the [[Minneapolis Star Tribune]] stated: "Their combat over a barren, uninhabited world of questionable value is a forbidding symbol of their lingering, irreconcilability."<ref name="India Changes Course" /> [[Stephen P. Cohen]] compared the conflict to "a struggle between two bald men over a comb. Siachen is a symbol of the worst aspects of their relationship."<ref name="India Changes Course" />

In the book ''Asymmetric Warfare in South Asia: The Causes and Consequences of the Kargil Conflict'', Khan, Lavoy and Clary wrote: <blockquote>The Pakistan army sees India's 1984 occupation of the Siachen Glacier as a major scar, outweighed only by Dhaka's fall in 1971. The event underscored the dilution of the Simla Agreement and became a domestic issue as political parties, led by Benazir Bhutto's Peoples Party, blamed an incompetent military government under Zia ul-Haq for failing to defend Pakistani-held territory — while Zia downplayed the significance of the loss.{{sfn|Lavoy|2009|p=75}}</blockquote>

General [[Ved Prakash Malik]], in his book ''Kargil from Surprise to Victory'', wrote: <blockquote>Siachen is considered a military setback by the Pakistan Army. That the Indians dominate the area from the Saltoro Ridge and Pakistani troops are nowhere near the Siachen Glacier is a fact never mentioned in public. The perceived humiliation at Siachen manifests itself in many ways. It is synonymous with Indian perfidy and a violation of the [[Shimla Agreement]]... In Pakistan, Siachen is a subject that hurts, just like a thorn in its flesh; it is also a psychological drain on the Pakistani Army. [[Pervez Musharraf]] had himself once commanded the [[Special Services Group]] (SSG) troops in this area and made several futile attempts to capture Indian posts.{{sfn|Malik|2006|p=54}}</blockquote>

The cost of presence on glacier is heavy for both countries but it account for a larger portion of Pakistan's economy. India over the years has built permanent positions on ground.

==Severe conditions==
A cease-fire went into effect in 2003.  Even before then, more soldiers were killed every year due to severe weather conditions than enemy fire. The two sides by 2003 had lost an estimated 2,000 personnel primarily due to [[frostbite]], [[avalanches]] and other complications.  Together, the nations have about 150 manned outposts along the glacier, with some 3,000 troops each.  Official figures for maintaining these outposts are put at ~$300 and ~$200&nbsp;million for India and Pakistan respectively. India built the world's highest [[helipad]] on the glacier at [[Point Sonam]], 21,000 feet (6,400&nbsp;m) above the sea level, to supply its troops. The problems of reinforcing or evacuating the high-altitude ridgeline have led to India's development of the [[Advanced Light Helicopter|Dhruv]] Mk III helicopter, powered by the [[Shakti engine]], which was flight-tested to lift and land personnel and stores from the [[Sonam post]], the highest permanently manned post in the world.<ref>{{cite news|last = Shukla|first = Ajai|url = http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/in-siachen-dhruv-provesworld-beater/427533/|title = In Siachen, Dhruv proves a world-beater|date = 20 January 2013|orig-year = First published 7 March 2011|journal = Business Standard|place = New Delhi|access-date = 7 March 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110806070753/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/in-siachen-dhruv-provesworld-beater/427533/|archive-date = 6 August 2011|url-status = live}}</ref> India also installed the world's highest [[telephone booth]] on the glacier.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67743542.html |access-date=11 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714222017/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67743542.html|journal = Denver Rocky Mountain News|archive-date=14 July 2014|title = India Installs World's Highest Phone Booth Soldiers Fighting Along Kashmir Glacier Can Now Call Families, Army Says}}</ref>

According to some estimates, 97% of the casualties in Siachen have been due to weather and altitude, rather than actual fighting.<ref name="Jack">{{cite book
  |last = Ives
  |first = Jack
  |title = Himalayan Perceptions: Environmental Change and the Well-Being of Mountain Peoples
  |publisher = Routledge, 2004
  |isbn = 9781134369089|date = 5 August 2004
}}</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}} In 2012, an avalanche [[2012 Siachen Glacier avalanche|hit Pakistan's Gayari military base, killing 129 soldiers and 11 civilians]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18246239| publisher=BBC| title=Pakistan declares Siachen avalanche buried dead| date=29 May 2012| access-date=21 June 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118155050/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18246239| archive-date=18 January 2016| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Pakistan/Siachen-Pakistan-declares-buried-troops-dead-after-52-days/Article1-862824.aspx|title=Siachen: Pakistan declares buried troops dead after 52 days|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=7 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011175924/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Pakistan/Siachen-Pakistan-declares-buried-troops-dead-after-52-days/Article1-862824.aspx|archive-date=11 October 2014}}</ref>

==Kargil War==
One of the factors behind the [[Kargil War]] in 1999 when Pakistan sent infiltrators to occupy vacated Indian posts across the [[Line of Control]] was their belief that India would be forced to withdraw from Siachen in exchange of a Pakistani withdrawal from Kargil.<ref name="India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5vZKO2XtiFMC |title=India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia |last1=Ganguly |first1=Sumit |last2=Kapur |first2=S. Paul |publisher=Columbia University Press |year=2012 |isbn=9780231143752 |edition=reprint |page=50 |access-date=1 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216021806/https://books.google.com/books?id=5vZKO2XtiFMC |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the Kargil War, India decided to maintain its military outposts on the glacier, wary of further Pakistani incursions into Kashmir if they vacate from the Siachen Glacier posts.<ref name="Defeat Is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YIXlDQAAQBAJ |title=Defeat Is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War |last=Macdonald |first=Myra |publisher=Random House India |year=2017 |isbn=9789385990830|quote=After Kargil the Indian Army would resist any suggestion of a withdrawal from the world's highest battlefield for fear Pakistani troops would take over its vacated positions}}</ref>{{page needed|date=April 2021}}

==Visits==

On 12 June 2005, [[Prime Minister]] [[Manmohan Singh]] became the first [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] to visit the area, calling for a peaceful resolution of the problem. In 2007, the [[President of India]], [[Abdul Kalam]] became the first [[head of state]] to visit the area. Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] visited Siachen on 23 October 2014 to celebrate Diwali with the troops and boost their morale.<ref name="modivisits">{{cite news|last1=Pundit|first1=Rajat|title=PM Modi visits Siachen, meets soldiers on Diwali|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-visits-Siachen-meets-soldiers-on-Diwali/articleshow/44914743.cms?|access-date=24 October 2014|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024040423/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-visits-Siachen-meets-soldiers-on-Diwali/articleshow/44914743.cms|archive-date=24 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Chief of Staff of US Army, General [[George W. Casey Jr.|George Casey]] on 17 October 2008 visited the Siachen Glacier along with Indian Army Chief, General [[Deepak Kapoor]]. US General visited for the purpose of "developing concepts and medical aspects of fighting in severe cold conditions and high altitude".<ref>{{cite news|title=US army chief's visit adds milestone to Indo-US ties|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-us-army-chief-s-visit-adds-milestone-to-indo-us-ties-1199496|access-date=24 October 2014|work=Daily News and Analysis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925005833/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-us-army-chief-s-visit-adds-milestone-to-indo-us-ties-1199496|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Casey in Siachen on 'study tour'|url=http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/18-Oct-2008/casey-in-siachen-on-study-tour|access-date=24 October 2014|publisher=dailytimes.co.pk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118155050/http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/18-Oct-2008/casey-in-siachen-on-study-tour|archive-date=18 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Since September 2007, India has welcomed mountaineering and trekking expeditions to the forbidding glacial heights. The expeditions have been meant to show the international audience that Indian troops hold "almost all dominating heights" on the important Saltoro Ridge west of Siachen Glacier, and to show that Pakistani troops are nowhere near the {{convert|43.5|mi|km|-1|adj=on}} Siachen Glacier and from 2019 the Indian Army And The Indian Government has allowed the tourists to visit the Siachen Glacier's Indian Army Post.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-opens-Siachen-to-trekkers/articleshow/2363583.cms India opens Siachen to trekkers]  [[Times of India]] 13 September 2007</ref>

== In popular culture ==
* The Siachen glacier and its conflict was depicted in a 48-page comic book, ''Siachen: The Cold War'', released in August 2012. Later its sequel, ''Battlefield Siachen'', was released in January 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130120/spectrum/book5.htm|title=Tribute to Siachen heroes Reviewd by Geetu Vaid|work=The Tribune|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303070331/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130120/spectrum/book5.htm|archive-date=3 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/siachen-war-comes-alive-in-a-comic-book/article3883123.ece|title=Siachen war comes alive in a comic book|author=Vijetha S.N|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 October 2014|location=Chennai, India|date=11 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304202232/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/siachen-war-comes-alive-in-a-comic-book/article3883123.ece|archive-date=4 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/valour-of-siachen-jawans-now-in-a-comic-strip/article1-914217.aspx|title=Valour of Siachen jawans now in a comic strip|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011180151/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/valour-of-siachen-jawans-now-in-a-comic-strip/article1-914217.aspx|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/an-illustrated-literary-salute-to-our-warriors-at-siachen-glacier|title=An illustrated, literary salute to our warriors at Siachen glacier|publisher=Sunday-guardian.com|access-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012041654/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/an-illustrated-literary-salute-to-our-warriors-at-siachen-glacier|archive-date=12 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The TV show [[Alpha Bravo Charlie]] had an extended multi-episode arc about one of the main characters being deployed to Siachen and losing his leg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thepakistani.tv/i/12/pakistani-tv-dramas/alpha-bravo-charlie.htm |title=Alpha Bravo Charlie – Pakistani Television TV Show |website=Thepakistani.tv website|date=19 March 2008 |access-date=20 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322090912/http://www.thepakistani.tv/i/12/pakistani-tv-dramas/alpha-bravo-charlie.htm |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/lifeandstyle/2019/10/col-qasim-khan-hints-at-an-alpha-bravo-charlie-remake/ |title=Alpha Bravo Charlie — Pakistani TV Drama |date=3 October 2019|website=Samaa TV News website |access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref>

==List of post-ceasefire avalanches and landslides==

=== 2010–2011 ===
On 11 February 2010, an avalanche struck an Indian army post in the Southern Glacier, killing one soldier. A base camp was also struck, that killed two Ladakh scouts. The same day, a single avalanche hit a Pakistani military camp in Bevan sector, killing 8 soldiers.<ref>{{cite web|title = Siachen avalanche kills 3 Indian, 8 Pak soldiers|url = http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/news/siachen-avalanche-kills-3-indian-8-pak-soldiers/68283.html|website = greaterkashmir.com|access-date = 5 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160219195609/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/news/siachen-avalanche-kills-3-indian-8-pak-soldiers/68283.html|archive-date = 19 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

In 2011, 24 Indian soldiers died on the Siachen glacier from the climate and accidents.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title = 50 Indian soldiers die in Siachen in 3 yrs|url = http://www.nationalturk.com/en/50-indian-soldiers-die-in-siachen-in-3-yrs-52726|website = nationalturk.com|access-date = 5 February 2016|first = National Turk|last = News| date=26 July 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160604004726/http://www.nationalturk.com/en/50-indian-soldiers-die-in-siachen-in-3-yrs-52726/|archive-date = 4 June 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> On 22 July, two Indian officers burned to death when a fire caught on their shelter.<ref>{{cite news|title = Indian army officers killed in Siachen fire | publisher=BBC News | date=22 July 2011 |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-14245688|access-date = 5 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160219195608/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-14245688|archive-date = 19 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

=== 2012–2014 ===
{{Main|2012 Gayari Sector avalanche}}
In the early morning of 7 April 2012, an [[2012 Gayari Sector avalanche|avalanche hit a Pakistani military headquarters]] in the Gayari Sector, burying 129  soldiers of the 6th [[Northern Light Infantry]] battalion and 11 civilian contractors.<ref name="bbc_avalanche">{{cite news|title=Pakistan resumes search for 135 buried by avalanche|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17643625|access-date=28 April 2012|publisher=BBC News|date=8 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413133018/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17643625|archive-date=13 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera1">{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/04/20124755454785414.html|title=Huge search for trapped Pakistani soldiers|date=7 April 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=7 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409214140/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2012/04/20124755454785414.html|archive-date=9 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath of the disaster, Pakistan's army chief General [[Ashfaq Parvez Kayani]] suggested India and Pakistan should withdraw all troops from the contested glacier.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Pakistan army chief urges India on glacier withdrawal | publisher=BBC News | date=18 April 2012 |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17753848|access-date = 5 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160219195609/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17753848|archive-date = 19 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

On 29 May, two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a landslide in the Chorbat Sector.<ref>{{cite web|title = Two soldiers killed in Siachen landsliding|url = http://www.geo.tv/latest/45338-two-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-landsliding|website = geo.tv|access-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160219195608/http://www.geo.tv/latest/45338-two-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-landsliding|archive-date = 19 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

On 12 December, an avalanche killed 6 Indian soldiers in the Sub Sector Hanif in [[Turtuk]] area, when troops of the 1st Assam regiment were moving between posts.<ref>{{cite web|title = Politics|url = http://www.livemint.com/Politics/pzIgZRAQpN4qXw7476kdEJ/Avalanche-kills-six-Indian-soldiers-on-Siachen-glacier.html |website=livemint.com/ |access-date= 4 February 2016|last = AFP|date = 16 December 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180108051834/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/pzIgZRAQpN4qXw7476kdEJ/Avalanche-kills-six-Indian-soldiers-on-Siachen-glacier.html|archive-date = 8 January 2018|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Six Army soldiers killed in Siachen avalanche, one missing|url = http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/six-army-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-avalanche-one-missing-507669|website = NDTV.com|access-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205062528/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/six-army-soldiers-killed-in-siachen-avalanche-one-missing-507669|archive-date = 5 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2012, a total of 12 Indian soldiers died of hostile weather conditions.<ref name=":2" />

In 2013, 10 Indian soldiers died due to weather conditions.<ref name=":2" />

=== 2015 ===
On 14 November 2015, an Indian captain from the Third Ladakh scouts died in an avalanche in the Southern Glacier while 15 others were rescued.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Army Captain dies in avalanche in Siachen glacier, 15 soldiers rescued|url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/army-captain-dies-in-avalanche-in-siachen-glacier-15-soldiers-rescued-1164462.html|publisher = CNN-IBN|access-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205231321/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/army-captain-dies-in-avalanche-in-siachen-glacier-15-soldiers-rescued-1164462.html|archive-date = 5 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

=== 2016 ===
On 4 January 2016, four Indian soldiers of the [[Third Ladakh Scouts|Ladakh Scouts]], were killed in an avalanche on the Southern Glacier while on patrol duty in Nobra Valley.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Siachen avalanche kills four Indian Army soldiers – Firstpost|url = http://www.firstpost.com/india/siachen-avalanche-kills-four-indian-army-soldiers-2570118.html|website = Firstpost| date=4 January 2016 |access-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160206143031/http://www.firstpost.com/india/siachen-avalanche-kills-four-indian-army-soldiers-2570118.html|archive-date = 6 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref>

On the morning of 3 February 2016, ten Indian soldiers including one [[Junior commissioned officer]] of the 6th Madras battalion were buried under the snow when a massive avalanche struck their post in the Northern Glacier at a height of 19,600 feet, on the [[Actual Ground Position Line]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Siachen avalanche: Army declares all trapped soldiers dead; PM Modi pays condolences|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/siachen-avalanche-chances-of-finding-any-survivors-very-remote-says-mod/|website = The Indian Express|date = 4 February 2016|access-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205093624/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/siachen-avalanche-chances-of-finding-any-survivors-very-remote-says-mod/|archive-date = 5 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> Pakistani officials offered their help in search and rescue operations 30 hours after the incident, although it was declined by Indian military authorities.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Indian Army thanks Pakistan for offering help in Siachen rescue|url = http://kashmirdispatch.com/2016/02/04/indian-army-thanks-pakistan-for-offering-help-in-siachen-rescue/140625/|website = KashmirDispatch|access-date = 4 February 2016|first = New Delhi/Islamabad|last = IANS|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205061428/http://kashmirdispatch.com/2016/02/04/indian-army-thanks-pakistan-for-offering-help-in-siachen-rescue/140625/|archive-date = 5 February 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> During the rescue operations, the Indian army found Lance Naik Hanumanthappa alive, though in a critical condition, after being buried under 25 feet snow for 6 days. He was taken to Army Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. His condition became critical later on due to multiple organ failure and lack of oxygen to brain and he died 11 February 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lance-naik-hanumanthappa-passes-away/article8222718.ece |title=Siachen avalanche survivor Lance Naik Hanamanthappa passes away |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=11 February 2016 |first=Dinakar |last=Peri |access-date=11 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212080835/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lance-naik-hanumanthappa-passes-away/article8222718.ece |archive-date=12 February 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 27 February, a civilian porter working with the Indian army in the Northern Glacier, fell to his death in a 130-foot crevasse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-another-tragedy-at-siachen-as-army-porter-falls-to-death-2184953|title=Another tragedy at Siachen as army porter falls to death {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|website=dna|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203051312/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-another-tragedy-at-siachen-as-army-porter-falls-to-death-2184953|archive-date=3 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 March, two Indian soldiers from the Chennai-21 regiment were killed, and bodies recovered in 12-feet deep ice.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/TN-Army-Village-Loses-Another-Jawan-in-Siachen/2016/03/21/article3337841.ece|title=TN Army Village Loses Another Jawan in Siachen|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427041114/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/TN-Army-Village-Loses-Another-Jawan-in-Siachen/2016/03/21/article3337841.ece|archive-date=27 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 25 March, two Indian [[jawans]] died after they were buried in an avalanche in the Turtuk sector while on patrol.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/siachen-avalanche-soldier-missing-army-patrol/|title=Siachen avalanche: Lance Havildar Bhawan Tamang killed, another soldier missing|date=25 March 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410080609/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/siachen-avalanche-soldier-missing-army-patrol/|archive-date=10 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 April, Indian General [[Dalbir Singh]] and General [[D. S. Hooda]] of the [[Northern Command (India)|Northern Command]] visited the Siachen glacier in order to boost morale after 17 of its soldiers died in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Army-Chief-Visits-Siachen-Glacier-After-17-Casualties-in-3-Months-Due-to-Avalanches/2016/04/01/article3358063.ece|title=Army Chief Visits Siachen Glacier After 17 Casualties in 3 Months Due to Avalanches|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409214417/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Army-Chief-Visits-Siachen-Glacier-After-17-Casualties-in-3-Months-Due-to-Avalanches/2016/04/01/article3358063.ece|archive-date=9 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2018 – 2019===
On 14 July 2018, 10 Indian Army soldiers were killed as result of Avalanche in Siachen.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/siachen-avalanche-tragedy-names-of-deceased-soldiers-released/articleshow/50870651.cms|title=Siachen avalanche tragedy: Names of deceased soldiers released|date=14 July 2018|work=The Economic Times|last1=Hooda|first1=Deepshikha|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208023205/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/siachen-avalanche-tragedy-names-of-deceased-soldiers-released/articleshow/50870651.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 January 2019, 7 Indian Army soldiers were killed as result of an avalanche in Siachen.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-more-bodies-found-at-ladakh-avalanche-site-number-of-dead-rise-to-7-1980232|title=2 More Bodies Found At Ladakh Avalanche Site, Number Of Dead Rise To 7|date=19 January 2019|publisher=NDTV|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044025/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-more-bodies-found-at-ladakh-avalanche-site-number-of-dead-rise-to-7-1980232|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 3 June 2019, Indian defense minister [[Rajnath Singh]] visited the Indian army's forward posts and base camp in Siachen. He interacted with the Indian soldiers deployed in Siachen and commended their courage. He claimed that more than 1,100 Indian soldiers have died defending the Siachen glacier.<ref name="supreme"/><ref name="supreme sacrifice"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajnath-to-visit-siachen-today-with-army-chief/story-xe8OARfsMq3oL7jVFlEPVP.html|title='I salute,' tweets defence minister Rajnath Singh from Siachen Glacier|work=Hindustan Times|date=3 June 2019|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=7 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207231143/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajnath-to-visit-siachen-today-with-army-chief/story-xe8OARfsMq3oL7jVFlEPVP.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

From 18 to 30 November 2019, 6 Indian soldiers and 2 Indian civilians porters were killed as result of an avalanche in the northern and southern part of Siachen glacier.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-soldiers-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen/articleshow/72310427.cms|title=Two soldiers killed as avalanche hits Army patrol in Siachen|date=30 November 2019|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 December 2019|archive-date=3 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203000811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-soldiers-killed-as-avalanche-hits-army-patrol-in-siachen/articleshow/72310427.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/2-army-soldiers-killed-in-avalanche-in-siachen-1623979-2019-11-30|title=2 Army soldiers killed in avalanche in Siachen|work=India Today|access-date=12 December 2019|archive-date=12 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212091556/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/2-army-soldiers-killed-in-avalanche-in-siachen-1623979-2019-11-30|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |title=Asymmetric Warfare in South Asia: The Causes and Consequences of the Kargil Conflict |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2009 |isbn=9781139482820 |editor-last=Lavoy |editor-first=Peter R. }}
* {{cite book |last=Malik |first=V. P. |year=2006 |title=Kargil from Surprise to Victory |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers India |isbn=9788172236359 }}
**  {{cite book |last=Gokhale |first=Nitin A |year=2015 |title=Beyond NJ 9842: The SIACHEN Saga |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9789384052263 }}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/23/world/the-coldest-war-frozen-in-fury-on-the-roof-of-the-world.html |title=THE COLDEST WAR; Frozen in Fury on the Roof of the World |last=Bearak |first=Barry |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=23 May 1999}}
* ''Siachen: Conflict Without End'' by [[V.R. Raghavan]]
* Myra MacDonald (2008) ''Heights of Madness: One Woman's Journey in Pursuit of a Secret War'', Rupa, New Delhi {{ISBN|81-291-1292-2}}. The first full account of the Siachen war to be told from the Indian and Pakistani sides.
* {{cite journal|title=Securing the heights; The vertical dimension of the Siachen conflict between India and Pakistan in the Eastern Karakoram |author=Baghel, Ravi |pages=31–32 |date=17 June 2015|publisher=Elsevier |author2=Nusser, Marcus |doi=10.1016/j.polgeo.2015.05.001 |volume=48 |journal=Political Geography|doi-access=free }}
* {{cite book |last = Wirsing |first = Robert |title = Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977–1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan, 1991 |isbn = 978-0-312-06067-1|date = 15 November 1991 }}
* {{cite magazine |last1=Wilkinson |first1=Freddie |title=How a tiny line on a map led to conflict in the Himalaya |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-a-tiny-line-on-a-map-led-to-conflict-in-the-himalaya-feature |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218151854/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-a-tiny-line-on-a-map-led-to-conflict-in-the-himalaya-feature |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |magazine=[[National Geographic]] |date=18 February 2021}}

==External links==
* [http://outsideonline.com/outside/features/200302/200302_siachen_1.html The Coldest War] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411111640/http://outsideonline.com/outside/features/200302/200302_siachen_1.html |date=11 April 2011 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111215024320/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1079528,00.html Time report]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041027004644/http://www.kashmirsentinel.com/apr1999/3.9.html Siachen: The stalemate continues]
* [http://www.pakistanarmy.biz.tc/siachen.html/ Siachen Glacier – Highest Battlefield Of The World]
* {{cite journal | title = The vertical dimension of the Siachen conflict | doi=10.1016/j.polgeo.2015.05.001 | volume=48 | journal=Political Geography | pages=24–36| doi-access=free }}

{{Kashmir conflict}}
{{Military of India}}
{{Military history of Pakistan}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Siachen Conflict}}
[[Category:Siachen conflict| ]]
[[Category:Kashmir conflict]]
[[Category:Indo-Pakistani wars]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1984]]
[[Category:1984 in India]]
[[Category:1984 in Pakistan]]
[[Category:History of Baltistan]]
[[Category:History of Gilgit-Baltistan]]
[[Category:Operations involving Pakistani special forces]]
[[Category:Wars involving India]]
[[Category:Wars involving Pakistan]]