The Defence Ministry had last year termed tourism activities on the glacier as 'routine' after Pakistan said the expedition would be uncongenial to peace talks between the countries.

Seeking to downplay the event last year, Defence Minister A K Antony had said as many as 15 expeditions involving Indian and foreign nationals have taken place in the region. What he did not mention was that none of the expeditions had taken place on the disputed Siachen glacier itself but on surrounding mountain regions that were well within the Indian territory.

The Siachen glacier has been under dispute ever since troops from both countries moved in to occupy its icy heights in 1984. India occupies all the dominating heights in the area and has control over the Saltoro ridge.