India Seizes Siachen Glacier — Operation Meghdoot

India launched Operation Meghdoot on April 13, 1984, airlifting troops to occupy the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh before Pakistan could do the same. At altitudes of 5,000–6,200 meters, Siachen became the world's highest battlefield. Both India and Pakistan have maintained permanent military presence there ever since. Thousands of soldiers have died from avalanches and extreme cold rather than combat.