The planned opening of the Galwan Valley in Ladakh for tourists on the fifth anniversary of the India-China troop clash has been delayed. The opening was intended to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020.

According to Tashi Gyalson, the chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), the official opening has been postponed until the war memorial in the area is completed to perfection, as it will serve as the main attraction for visitors. Gyalson stated that the memorial is nearing completion but requires some finishing touches. LAHDC is also working on amending permit regulations to facilitate easier access for tourists, eliminating the need for special permissions. Gyalson assured that the opening of the Galwan Valley for tourists is just a matter of days away.

The Ladakh administration is collaborating with the Indian Army to develop the necessary infrastructure to support tourism in the region. The initiative to open the Galwan Valley hot springs near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is part of a broader effort to promote battlefield tourism.

The Galwan Valley clash, which occurred on June 15, 2020, resulted in the deaths of twenty Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, and an unspecified number of Chinese soldiers. It marked one of the most severe military confrontations between India and China in decades. The incident led to a breakdown in trust and triggered a series of reforms in India's defense posture and strategic planning along the LAC. Since then, India has significantly enhanced its military preparedness, strengthened border infrastructure, and intensified diplomatic engagements.

The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. In a post on X, the Corps honored the "valour and supreme sacrifice" of the soldiers, stating that their courage "forever resonates in the hearts of every Indian" and that "the nation honours their families with deep respect."

The decision to open the Galwan Valley for tourism aligns with the central government's emphasis on developing border areas and fulfills the aspirations of local communities who have sought access to these lands. Despite the ongoing border standoff with China, the Indian government aims to boost border and rural tourism, providing economic benefits to local communities.

However, the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have previously expressed reservations about allowing tourism in the Galwan Valley, citing concerns about the lack of civil infrastructure and support systems in these remote areas. The Ladakh administration has been working to address these concerns by constructing toilets, selfie points, medical centers, and check posts in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation.