Talk with Pakistan over withdrawal from Siachen

Thirteen rounds of talks to resolve the Siachen issue have already taken place between Government of India and Pakistan, led by the respective Defence Secretaries. Indian Government has made it clear to Pakistan that the solution to Siachen Glacier is a part of the larger issue to include Pakistan’s support to terrorism in India.

On December 9, 2015 External Affairs Minister met the Pakistani leadership on the side-lines of the Heart of Asia process for regional cooperation on Afghanistan. These discussions directed the Foreign Secretaries of both countries to work out the modalities and schedule of the meetings under the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue on various issues including Siachen.

Indian Army soldiers deployed in extremely harsh terrain and weather conditions are suitably equipped and properly trained to undertake the operational challenges and carry out their mandated tasks. The soldiers deployed at Siachen Glacier are provided with quality winter clothing including ‘Extreme Cold Climate’ clothing. Besides, they are provided with prefabricated insulated shelters and wherever it is not possible to construct such shelters due to technical difficulties, insulated tents are provided which can withstand low temperatures upto – 500 Celsius.

The Units are self-sufficient for a period of 240 days of supplies. During winters / cut off season, daily maintenance of troops is carried out by rotary / fixed wing assets.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Rajeev Shukla in Rajya Sabha today.