Operation Meghdoot was the Indian military operation launched on April 13, 1984, to secure the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas. This preemptive mission was aimed at preventing Pakistani forces from gaining control of the strategically vital glacier, which is the highest battleground in the world.
Indian forces secured critical positions including Bilafond La, Sia La, and other high-altitude locations, giving them a tactical advantage.
In this week’s Defence Mantra, Nitin A. Gokhale explains why Siachen is more relevant in today’s geopolitical realities. It is of strategic Importance, since Siachen provides a vantage point over Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and China’s Xinjiang-Tibet link, making it crucial for India’s security.
The key aspects of Sino-India Dynamics in Relation to Siachen:
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), just west of Siachen.
- India’s control of Siachen gives it a strategic observation point over key Pakistan-China linkages, including possible Chinese military activities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- India’s forward deployments in Siachen complement its Ladakh defence strategy, providing a buffer against Chinese encroachment.
- India’s continued presence in Siachen prevents the possibility of China linking up with Pakistan militarily in this sensitive region.
- Indian military strategists have long feared a two-front war scenario, where Pakistan and China act in coordination. If China were to mobilize in Ladakh, Pakistani forces could simultaneously push towards Siachen in an attempt to cut off India’s access. Holding Siachen ensures that India’s northern frontier remains secure, preventing a potential China-Pakistan pincer movement.
In conclusion, while Operation Meghdoot was initially about preventing Pakistan’s intrusion, in today’s geopolitical context, Siachen is just as crucial for countering China. India’s control over the glacier acts as a strategic bulwark against both adversaries, preventing them from linking up in the sensitive Karakoram region.
