In November 2005, two comprehensive and policy-relevant assessments of the Siachen conflict took place at the IISS. Two influential policy analysts and retired generals from India and Pakistan spoke separately and off-the-record on the problems and prospects of military disengagement from the Siachen glacier. The presentation by Lt-Gen (retd) V R Raghavan, Director, Delhi Policy Group and former Commanding General of Siachen and Director General of Military Operations, Indian Army (IISS Council Member) on 8 November was followed by that of Lt-Gen (retd) Syed Arif Hasan, Managing Director, Fauji Foundation, and former Commander 10 Corps (responsible for Siachen) and Military Secretary, Pakistan Army, on 18 November. These presentations took place at a critical juncture, with both countries agreeing to reach a ‘common understanding’ on Siachen disengagement before the next round of their official ‘composite’ dialogue in January 2006. Both presentations were well attended by IISS members, policy analysts, government officials and members of the diplomatic community.
