Why is it in the news?
→ India rejected China’s infrastructure activities in Shaksgam Valley under CPEC.
→ Reasserted the valley as an inseparable part of India.
Category: IR
Important Points
- Shaksgam Valley (Trans-Karakoram Tract) lies north of Siachen in eastern Karakoram.
- Part of J&K before 1947; ceded by Pakistan to China under 1963 Sino-Pak Boundary Agreement.
- India rejects the 1963 agreement as illegal.
- Currently administered by China (Xinjiang).
- Strategic proximity to Siachen and Karakoram Pass; CPEC links Gwadar to Kashgar bypassing Malacca Strait.