♤ These contrasting interpretations have made it difficult for a final resolution of the dispute even though it is possible to mutually demilitarise the region given that both Indian and Pakistani soldiers regularly lose their lives there due to harsh climatic

conditions. However, demilitarization talks in the past have met with major roadblocks owing to mutual distrust in the relationship

1.6.2. India’s Position on the Way Forward

♤ India has stated that the present ground positions on the Saltoro ridge should be demarcated and authenticated on a map before any demilitarisation could be conducted, fearing that once India withdraws from the region, the Pakistan Army could occupy the high ground, something the latter was weeks close to doing when the Indian occupation took place in 1984 after operation Meghdoot.