Hindu Editorial Analysis : 26-October-2023
The recent visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, Tandi Dorji, to China has stirred concerns in India, given the historically warm relations between India and Bhutan. This unprecedented visit has significant implications for India’s security, particularly concerning the ongoing border disputes between Bhutan and China.
Bhutan-China Relations: Unprecedented Developments
- Bhutan and China, traditionally without diplomatic ties, witnessed a groundbreaking visit by Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, marking the first-ever visit by a Bhutanese official to China.
- The primary agenda was the resumption of boundary talks, which had stalled for over seven years. Both nations signed a cooperation agreement to establish a joint technical team for boundary delimitation and demarcation.
Bhutan-China Border Dispute: Historical Context
- The border dispute between Bhutan and China dates back to 1950, rooted in China’s occupation of Tibet and its refusal to recognize the Tibet-Bhutan dividing line.
- Bhutan and China engaged in boundary talks since 1984, focusing on disputed areas like Jakarlung, Pasamlung in north Bhutan, and the critical Doklam region in the west.
India’s Concerns: Implications for National Security
- India, with its special relationship with Bhutan, is apprehensive about the possibility of Bhutan establishing diplomatic ties and signing a boundary agreement with China.
- Doklam’s potential swap in any agreement raises alarms for India, as it holds vital strategic importance. Chinese control over Doklam threatens the Siliguri Corridor, connecting India to its northeastern states and neighboring countries.
India-China Border Dispute: Persistent Tensions
- India and China continue to experience tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with unresolved issues in key areas like Depsang and Demchok.
- Beijing’s recent release of a disputed map incorporating Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh within Chinese territory further escalated tensions.
India’s Strategies to Address Border Disputes
- Infrastructure Development:
- Initiatives by the Border Management Division include constructing fences, floodlights, roads, Border Out Posts (BOPs), and deploying technological solutions along various international borders, including India-China and India-Bhutan.
- Noteworthy projects like the Trans-Arunachal Highway enhance India’s response capabilities against potential aggression.
- Deployment of Troops & Surveillance:
- Indian Army and BSF maintain a multi-layered anti-infiltration grid, aided by border fences and advanced surveillance technologies to curb infiltrations.
- Paramilitary forces guard borders with neighboring countries, tackling challenges such as smuggling, trafficking, and illegal migration.
Why In News
The recent visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji to China was unsettling for India, raising concerns about the evolving dynamics in the region and prompting a reevaluation of its diplomatic strategies.
MCQs about Bhutan-China Relations: Impact on India’s Security and Strategies
-
Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji visited China primarily for:
A. To establish diplomatic relations
B. To discuss trade agreements
C. To hold boundary talks
D. To negotiate cultural exchanges
-
Which disputed region holds great security importance for India due to its strategic location?
A. Jakarlung
B. Pasamlung
C. Doklam
D. Chumbi Valley
-
What does India fear might be included in a potential deal between Bhutan and China, causing concerns about its own security?
A. Swapping Pasamlung
B. Swapping Chumbi Valley
C. Swapping Jakarlung
D. Swapping Doklam
-
What strategy has India employed to tackle its border disputes, as mentioned in the essay?
A. Economic sanctions
B. Military aggression
C. Infrastructure development and deployment of troops
D. Diplomatic negotiations
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
