Pakistan China Agreement 1963: The foundation of the strength of relations between Pakistan and China that is visible today was laid in 1963. In the same year, Pakistan handed over Shaksgam Valley, a large part of illegally occupied Kashmir i.e. PoK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir), to China. This agreement was made without India’s knowledge and consent, which India had then rejected.
Why is Shaksgam Valley important?
Shaksgam Valley is a very strategically sensitive area. This area is located near Ladakh and connects to the Xinjiang region of China. By handing it over to China, Pakistan not only challenged India’s sovereignty but also complicated the geopolitics of Asia.
India’s old and clear stand
India has always maintained that PoK and Shaksgam Valley are an integral part of India. India described the 1963 agreement as illegal and continues to hold the same stand even today. India says that Pakistan had no right to compromise on this area in any way.
Today’s controversy: China’s infrastructure construction
Recently India objected to China building roads and other infrastructure in Shaksgam Valley. When China was questioned on this, its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed that this area is part of China. This statement again increased the tension in India-China relations.
New reason for India-China tension
India says that China is building in disputed areas in collaboration with Pakistan, which is a violation of bilateral agreements and international rules. This issue is not just about land, but also about regional security and trust. The effect of Pakistan’s action of 1963 is visible even today. India believes that Pakistan has worsened the situation by dragging China into the Kashmir issue. This is the reason why PoK and Shaksgam Valley still remain an important issue of India’s foreign policy.
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