(a) whether a number of soldiers deployed at Siachen Glacier have lost their lives and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the cost of maintaining troop presence at the glacier is very high and if so, the details thereof indicating the strategic importance of the glacier; and
(c) whether the Government has taken steps to resolve territorial disputes pertaining to Siachen glacier with Pakistan and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) During the year 2016, 01 officer and 18 junior commissioner officers / other ranks have lost their lives in Siachen Glacier.
(b) The Siachen Glacier was occupied by Indian Army in April 1984 to pre-empt the efforts of Pakistan to occupy the Glacier. The cost of maintaining troops there is necessary in national interest keeping in view the strategic importance of the Siachen Glacier.
(c) Thirteen rounds of talks to resolve the Siachen issue have already taken place between Government of India and Pakistan led by respective Defence Secretaries. Indian Government has made it clear to Pakistan that the solution of Siachen Glacier is part of a larger issue to include Pakistan’s continued support to terrorism in India.
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