Ladakh’s Quest For Autonomy Amidst Geopolitical And Strategic Contestations

Abstract

Ladakh has become the major flashpoint of contestation between India and China. The existing dynamics can be attributed to the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh in August 2019, resulting in constitutional, geopolitical, and strategic changes. This paper examines Ladakh’s attainment of UT status and the paradigm shift in the conception of its role as a strategic territory in light of the local struggle for autonomy, the diplomatic position of global actors, and the ongoing territorial conflict between India and China.

Keywords

Ladakh Article-370 China Galwan geopolitics autonomy development border infrastructure India-China military challenge

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