THE GEOPOLITICS OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN: ANALYSING INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND CHINA PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The region of Gilgit-Baltistan, of significant strategic significance, has been a topic of contention between India and Pakistan since their respective declarations of independence in 1947. The territory stated above, located in the northernmost part of Pakistan, plays a vital role as a key gateway to the Central Asian region. It is generally seen as an important geopolitical asset due to its near proximity to China's Xinjiang province. This article provides a thorough analysis of the contemporary geopolitical dynamics in Gilgit-Baltistan, with a focus on the historical backdrop, the current political and economic circumstances, and the possible implications for the security and stability of the region. The region of Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the northernmost part of Pakistan, has considerable strategic importance. The region in issue, which shares borders with China, Afghanistan, and India, has a complex and contested historical context that has had a substantial influence on its contemporary political and economic conditions. The territory of Gilgit-Baltistan has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its strategic location along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its crucial role as a gateway to Central Asia. The objective of this essay is to provide a thorough analysis of the strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan, including its historical background, geopolitical significance, and prospective implications for regional security and stability. The region of Gilgit-Baltistan, located in the Himalayas and Karakoram mountains, has acquired considerable geopolitical significance due to its strategic location and contested legal standing. The perspectives of India, Pakistan, and China about Gilgit-Baltistan provide valuable insights into the intricate interaction of interests, historical narratives, and geopolitical strategies that shape the dynamics of the region. This article engages in a comprehensive analysis of the viewpoints espoused by three influential actors, evaluating the possible ramifications for the stability of the region. The geopolitical landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan is a complex and intricate puzzle, characterised by the intricate interaction of historical narratives, strategic considerations, and regional dynamics. The Indian position focuses considerable stress on the notion of sovereignty, whereas Pakistan's standpoint is largely centred on the concept of self-determination. In contrast, China's approach is primarily focused on the concepts of connectivity and economic growth. Given the convergence and intersection of the aforementioned perspectives, the trajectory of the region's future remains ambiguous, thereby making it an illustrative instance of broader global dynamics concerning power struggles and cooperative endeavours.