Indo-China border dispute: Why is the border agreement between China and Bhutan a concern for India?
The foreign ministers of China and Bhutan held a video conference on Thursday (October 14th) and signed a three-step roadmap agreement to resolve years of border disputes between the two countries.
The agreement comes four years after 73 days of tensions between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam Trilateral Junction. Tensions in Doklam began when China tried to build a road in an area that Bhutan claims is part of it.
Commenting on the agreement, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arundam Bagchi said: "We have taken notice today of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bhutan and China. As you know, Bhutan and China have been holding border talks since 1984. India is also holding border talks with China.
On the issue, the Bhutanese Foreign Ministry said that the MoU on a three-step roadmap would give a new impetus to border talks.
Bhutan shares a 400-kilometer border with China and has held 24 rounds of border talks since 1984 to resolve the dispute between the two countries.
India has not given a detailed response to the deal, but is not in a position to ignore the development due to ongoing tensions with China over the past year and a half.
Which area in China's eyes?
One of the two most disputed areas between China and Bhutan is the 269-square-kilometer area near the Indo-China-Bhutan tri-junction, and the other is the 495-square-kilometer Jakarling and Pasim Ling valleys in northern Bhutan.
China wants to take over Bhutan with an area of 269 sq km instead of 495 sq km.
Retired Major General SB Asthana of the Indian Army is a strategic affairs analyst.
He believes that China has always sought to establish bilateral relations with weaker countries in order to influence them with its economic and military influence and make decisions for its own benefit.
He says: 'One of the two areas on the northern border of Bhutan that China claims is the Chunbi Valley, near which there were clashes between India and China in Doklam. China has demanded from Bhutan the Chunbi Valley and in return is willing to give it another disputed territory, much larger than the Chunbi Valley area. The territory China is seeking is close to India's Siliguri corridor.
The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken Neck, is very important to India as it provides an important route to the northeastern states and if China gets closer to the Siliguri Corridor, it will be India. Will be a cause for serious concern. Contact with northeastern states could be a threat.
Major General Asthana says: 'The Chicken's Neck area is strategically important to India. If China gains even a little in the region, it will be a huge loss for India. And this agreement will not be in India's interest.