India has once again given a clear message to China and Pakistan regarding Shaksgam Valley. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reiterated that the border agreement signed between Pakistan and China in 1963 is completely illegal and invalid for India. He said that Shaksgam Valley is a part of India and India does not recognize any kind of activity there. On this issue, the Ministry of External Affairs has already clarified that India has the right to take every necessary step to protect its interests.

India does not accept the 1963 agreement
The Army Chief said in the press conference that Pakistan had handed over part of the Shaksgam Valley to China under the 1963 agreement, which India never accepted. He clearly said, ‘We do not accept any activity there. This agreement is illegal for us. General Dwivedi said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is also not acceptable for India. He called it an illegal work being done by both the countries and said that this project passes through Indian territory.

Army’s stance on women’s entry
The Army Chief said that in future women can also join Infantry and Para-SF, but the society will have to be prepared for this. He clarified that the Army does not talk about gender equality but about gender neutrality. If women meet the standards and medical fitness set by the army, then doors are open for them. General Dwivedi said that the Army hopes that the defense budget will increase in the coming time, so that the capabilities can be further strengthened.

Strength increased from 13 Bhairav ​​battalion
He told that till now 13 Bhairav ​​Light Commando battalions have been raised in the Indian Army. These units will bridge the gap between the lethal platoons of Infantry and Para-SF and will meet the needs of modern warfare.

New reality of drone war
The Army Chief said that it is difficult to estimate the number of drones today. There may be thousands of drones on the 500 kilometer border. He told that the Indian Army has also tested drones with a range of 100 kilometers and the capability to make drones is being developed in every command.

Strategy changed after Operation Sindoor
General Dwivedi said that after Operation Sindoor, the role of drones has become stronger. Under this, ‘Ashni Platoons’ have been formed in infantry battalions, in which specially trained drone operators are deployed.

Bhairav ​​Battalion and Divyastra Battery
He said that Bhairav ​​battalions have been equipped with UAS and counter-UAS systems, heavy ammunition and modern resources. Apart from this, ‘Divyastra Battery’ has been created in the artillery, which will provide direct support to the division commander.

India’s watchful eye on Bangladesh
General Dwivedi said that currently there is an interim government in Bangladesh, hence there is no need for India to react immediately. He said that the three armies are in constant contact with the Bangladesh Army and no activity is against India.

Terrorist presence in Jammu, deployment strengthened
The Army Chief said that there is a presence of about 40 terrorists in Jammu area, south of Pir Panjal, most of whom are Pakistanis. He said that there will be no reduction in military deployment in this area.

Ceasefire violation and Operation Sindoor
He said that so far in 2025, there have been 139 ceasefire violations, out of which 124 times took place during Operation Sindoor. In Operation Sindoor, 7 out of 9 targets were destroyed and this operation is still going on.

Situation on North and North-Eastern Border
The Army Chief said that the situation on the northern border is stable, but vigilance is necessary. Indian deployment on LAC remains balanced and strong. The situation in Manipur in the Northeast has improved during 2025 and cooperation will further improve after the Myanmar elections.

Operation Vermillion still going on
In the end, General Upendra Dwivedi clearly said that Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Any misadventure in future will be responded to with full force. He appreciated the role of CAPFs, intelligence agencies, state administration and all ministries.

China reiterated its territorial claims on Shaksgam Valley on Monday (January 12, 2026) amid India’s objections and said that its infrastructure projects in this area are absolutely justified. In fact, last Friday (January 9, 2026), India had criticized China’s infrastructure projects in Shaksgam Valley, saying that this is Indian territory and it has the right to take necessary steps to protect its interests.

In 1963, Pakistan handed over 5,180 square kilometers of Shaksgam Valley from illegally occupied Indian territory to China.

India never recognized China-PAK agreement- Jaiswal

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognized the so-called China-Pakistan border agreement made in 1963. We have been continuously saying that this agreement is illegal and invalid. He said, ‘We also do not recognize the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), because it passes through Indian territory, which is illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan.’

Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India- Jaiswal

In response to a question related to China’s infrastructure projects in Shaksgam Valley, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inseparable part of India. This has been clearly told to Pakistani and Chinese officials many times.

China reacted to India’s comment

Responding to Jaiswal’s comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference held in Beijing, ‘First of all, the area you are mentioning is part of China.’ He said, ‘China’s infrastructure activities in its own region are absolutely justified. China and Pakistan had signed a border agreement in the 1960s and the border between the two countries was fixed. This is the right of China and Pakistan as sovereign countries.

What did the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry say about CPEC?

At the same time, when criticized by India regarding CPEC, Mao reiterated Beijing’s old stand and said that it is an economic initiative, the objective of which is local economic and social development and improving the lives of the people. He said, ‘Such an agreement and CPEC will not affect China’s stand on the Kashmir issue and China’s stand on this issue remains unchanged.’

What is China’s stand on Kashmir issue?

China’s official position on the Kashmir issue is that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute has been long-standing and should be resolved appropriately and peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China has been reiterating this stance.

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