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 Relations: Impact on India's Security and Strategies: Editorial Analysis
Courtesy: Wikipedia
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
  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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
    Correct Answer: C. To hold boundary talks
    Explanation: The main purpose of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister’s visit to China was to hold boundary talks, as stated in the essay. The talks focused on the delimitation and demarcation of the boundary between Bhutan and China.
  2. Which disputed region holds great security importance for India due to its strategic location?
    A. Jakarlung
    B. Pasamlung
    C. Doklam
    D. Chumbi Valley
    Correct Answer: C. Doklam
    Explanation: Doklam holds significant security importance for India as its control by China could threaten the Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck, which connects India with its northeastern states and neighboring countries.
  3. 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
    Correct Answer: D. Swapping Doklam
    Explanation: India is concerned that a deal between Bhutan and China could include swapping Doklam, which holds great security importance for India due to its strategic location near the tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.
  4. 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
    Correct Answer: C. Infrastructure development and deployment of troops
    Explanation: India has implemented strategies involving infrastructure development, such as constructing fences and roads, and the deployment of troops and advanced surveillance technologies to safeguard its borders, as stated in the essay.

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