The dispute over the Siachen Glacier is between which two countries?

Introduction / Context:
The Siachen Glacier is one of the highest battlefields in the world and has been the focus of a long standing military and territorial dispute in South Asia. It lies in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas and is strategically important. Competitive examinations frequently ask about the countries involved in the Siachen dispute, since it is a major geopolitical issue connected to Indian geography and international relations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the dispute over the Siachen Glacier.
• The options are pairs of India with various neighbouring countries: China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• We are to identify the correct pair of countries directly involved in this glacier dispute.

Concept / Approach:
Siachen Glacier lies near the point where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends in the high mountains of the Karakoram. The dispute arose due to differing interpretations of the ceasefire line beyond a certain point and competing claims over the glacier region. Although India has other border disputes with China and minor issues with other neighbours, the Siachen issue specifically concerns India and Pakistan. Thus, the key is to recall that Siachen is part of the India Pakistan conflict over Jammu and Kashmir.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the location of Siachen Glacier in the eastern Karakoram range, north of the main Kashmir valley. Step 2: Understand that the glacier lies near the Line of Control which separates Indian and Pakistani controlled areas in Jammu and Kashmir. Step 3: Recognise that both India and Pakistan claim this region and have deployed troops there for a long period. Step 4: Note that although India has border issues with China, especially in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, Siachen is not the primary India China dispute. Step 5: Eliminate Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, since they are not directly involved in the Siachen conflict.

Verification / Alternative check:
Newspaper reports, defence analyses, and geography texts consistently refer to Siachen as a point of prolonged conflict between India and Pakistan. The area is patrolled and defended by both armies, and there have been several rounds of talks between these two countries to demilitarise or manage the glacier. No such bilateral dispute over Siachen exists between India and the other listed neighbours, which confirms that the correct pair is India and Pakistan.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• India and China: While these countries have important border disputes, especially in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, the classic Siachen dispute is with Pakistan.
• India and Afghanistan: They do not share a long active border in the Siachen region and are not parties to this glacier dispute.
• India and Nepal: Issues with Nepal are of a different nature and location, not related to Siachen.
• India and Bangladesh: Their disputes relate mainly to river water sharing and enclaves, not high altitude glaciers.

Common Pitfalls:
Because India has multiple border disputes, some candidates confuse the locations and parties involved. A common error is to assume that all Himalayan boundary issues must involve China. Another problem is not distinguishing between different sectors such as Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh, and Siachen. Studying a detailed map of the northern frontier and marking each dispute area with the corresponding neighbour is a very effective strategy.

Final Answer:
The Siachen Glacier dispute is between India and Pakistan.