Date : 27/10/2023

Relevance:GS Paper2- International Relations - Bilateral Relations

Keywords – Doklam, Bhutan-India-China trijunction, Siliguri Corridor, Sakteng sanctuary, China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiation

Context

Keywords – Doklam, Bhutan-India-China trijunction, Siliguri Corridor, Sakteng sanctuary, China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiation

Significance of the Visit:

• This visit marks a significant milestone, as Bhutan and China do not maintain diplomatic relations, and it is the first visit of a Bhutanese Foreign Minister to China in history.
• The primary objective of this visit was to hold boundary talks, which had been dormant for over seven years.
• The talks have resulted in substantial progress, as indicated by a joint statement, and the signing of a cooperation agreement outlining the functioning of a new joint technical team for boundary delimitation and demarcation.

China - Bhutan Border Dispute

• Bhutan shares a 477 km-long border with China, and China has asserted territorial claims over specific areas within Bhutan's territory:
• In the northern region, these claims include the Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys, both of which hold significant cultural importance for Bhutan.
• In the western region, China's claims encompass areas like Doklam, Dramana, Shakhatoe, Yak Chu, Charithang Chu, and Sinchulungpa and Langmarpo valleys. These areas are not only rich in pastureland but are also strategically situated in the Bhutan-India-China trijunction, in close proximity to India's vital Siliguri Corridor.
• In a surprising turn of events in 2020, China made new claims over Bhutan's eastern territory within the Sakteng sanctuary. What makes this development bewildering for Bhutan is that this eastern sector had not been previously discussed in past rounds of boundary negotiations between the two countries.
• The eastern region of Bhutan in question has a substantial Bhutanese population, and traditional Dzongs (fortified monasteries), and has been an integral part of Bhutan for generations.

Bhutan's Evolving Relations with China:

Bhutan's recent engagement with China is marked by several notable aspects:

• Unprecedented Diplomatic Engagement:
  • Bhutan and China do not have established diplomatic relations, making this engagement unique.
  • The visit of Bhutan's Foreign Minister to China is a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship.
• Resumption of Boundary Talks:
  • The boundary talks, which had been in limbo for over seven years, have been rekindled, signifying a renewed focus on resolving long-standing issues.
  • To date, both countries have held 11 expert group meetings and 24 rounds of border negotiations.
• Cooperation Agreement:
  • Both countries have signed a cooperation agreement that outlines the role and functioning of a joint technical team responsible for boundary delimitation and demarcation.
  • In October 2021, Bhutan and China signed an MoU on the Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations. The three-step roadmap has still not been made public.

India's Concerns and Interests:

India has historically maintained a special relationship with Bhutan, characterized by security cooperation and close ties. In light of Bhutan's efforts to normalize relations with China, India must protect its interests and address its concerns:

• Protecting the Siliguri Corridor:
  • India's "Siliguri Corridor" is a vital strategic area, and it is crucial to ensure that China does not encroach upon it.
  • India's interests lie in safeguarding Bhutan's northern territories, particularly the ridges overlooking the Siliguri corridor.
• Concerns around Arunachal Pradesh:
  • China has recently revived its territorial claim over Bhutan's eastern region, Sakteng, which shares a border with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. China asserts Arunachal Pradesh as part of its own territory, referring to it as "South Tibet." China's renewed claim over Sakteng can be interpreted as a means to exert pressure on Bhutan to agree to its terms regarding the boundary issue, while also challenging India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
  • This assumes significance as, in December 2022, Indian and Chinese army troops clashed along the LAC in the Tawang Sector of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Beijing has recently launched an infrastructure push in Tibet to build what it calls “xiaokang” (moderately prosperous) frontier villages, to establish civilian settlements in areas, including disputed ones, along the Tibet-Bhutan border.
• Diminishing India’s influence in Bhutan
  • Bhutan has traditionally been one of India's closest allies in the region, and India has been a consistent source of economic and military support to Bhutan. However, in recent years, China has been actively expanding its economic and diplomatic connections with Bhutan, potentially diminishing India's influence in the region.
• Balancing Normalization with Caution:
  • Some observers viewed that move as a pressure tactic to push Bhutan to accept China’s earlier reported offer of a swap of Doklam in the west, which Beijing views strategically, in exchange for Bhutan retaining its northern territories.
  • It is essential for Bhutan to proceed cautiously in normalizing relations with China and opening up to a permanent Chinese diplomatic presence.
  • India's interests align with maintaining a strategic balance in the region, ensuring that Bhutan does not rush into decisions that may undermine its sovereignty and security.

The Way Forward:

India's approach to the evolving Bhutan-China relationship should be characterized by:

• Strategic Alignment with Bhutan:
  • The 2017 Doklam crisis taught India the importance of aligning strategies with Bhutan rather than expecting acquires.
  • India's interests are better served by collaborating with Bhutan in a mutually beneficial manner.
• Addressing Bhutanese Concerns:
  • India should recognize Bhutan's unique dependence on its assistance and consider Bhutan's concerns, particularly in the northern regions while preserving its own strategic red lines in the west.
• Confidence in Bilateral Relations:
  • India should approach boundary negotiations with confidence, trusting in the strong historical ties between the two nations.
  • India should be assured that Bhutan will take both its own interests and India's interests into account before concluding any final agreement with China.

Conclusion

Understanding Bhutan's motivations and concerns in its dealings with China is crucial for India. As Bhutan navigates its evolving relationship with China, India should engage constructively and collaboratively, ensuring that its interests and those of Bhutan are protected in any future agreements.

Source – The Hindu