Doklam Controversy
A new dispute arises between India and China due to the commencement of road construction by China in the Doklam area when Indian troops stopped the construction work on June 18, 2017. Recently, both the countries have decided to end the two-month-old stand off by deciding to withdraw their respective forces from Doklam.
India-Bhutan-China Tri junction India-China border 220 km .
Why is Chumbi Valley important?
The Chinese activities happening in Chumbi Valley is a matter of concern for India. This area is located just above the 'Siliguri Corridor' (Chicken Neck) of India. 'Chicken Neck' is that narrow strip of land.Which connects the north-eastern part of India with the rest of the country.
What is the dispute?
Doklam is a disputed area between Bhutan and China. Bhutan was opposed to China starting road construction in the region. Since Bhutan has lodged its protest with the Embassy of China in
According to Bhutan, this road construction is in clear violation of the 1988 and 1998 agreements.
According to the Indian side, no one can build on the disputed junction (the borders of China, Bhutan and India meet).Location of Doklam
Doklam is a narrow plateau situated at the trijunction of the China, Bhutan and Indian border. This region is located near the northern end of India's strategically important Chumbi Valley.
This area is located about 15 km south-east of Nathu la Pass on the Indo-China border in Sikkim.Indian Strategic Interest and Analysis According to India, this road construction is an attempt to access the strategically important 'Jamferi Ridge' for India, after which it will be easier for China to access the 'Siliguri' corridor orthe so-called 'Chicken Neck'.
This will help India's security by blocking the China-Siliguri Corridor in the future.The Indian states of the Northeast may be cut off from the main land.
According to the agreements between China and Bhutan,both sides will try to avoid any unilateral action or use of force to change the demarcation status in any disputed area.
China's side is that on the trijunction area where it will build the road It is his territory. China also believes that the said area India shares a border with Bhutan and not India, so India has no right to interfere in the China-Bhutan border dispute.
China has also banned Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nathula Pass in Sikkim to put pressure on India.
Recently, China seems to be reassessing strategic and strategic relations with its neighboring countries through the border dispute.
One of China's intentions is also to send a message to India's neighboring countries (where India has a natural sphere of influence) that India will not prove to be a reliable ally in times of crisis.
India should try to garner support in its favor from various forums like ASEAN, including its allies, Japan and Western countries, to put diplomatic pressure on China.
India's trade relations with China are heavily tilted in favor of China. Some indicative steps can be taken on the economic front to put initial pressure on China.
Both sides should explore avenues of dialogue (both military and diplomatic level) for an early settlement of China's issue. In this context, Indian Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently visited China.
India also needs to re-examine its military preparedness. India should rapidly develop infrastructure, such as roads, airports,etc., capable of rapid movement of military equipment in the states bordering China. railway bridge,India has always been a supporter of China's One China Policy, while China has been ignoring Indian interests on issues like CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor). Although both the governments have decided to put an end to the dispute for the present, by withdrawing their armies from the disputed site. Such disputes with China can be resolved only through permanent settlement of border disputes.
