MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Discuss the significance of the recent ‘Cooperation Agreement’ between China and Bhutan on India’s interests and what steps India might take to improve its relationship with Bhutan in light of this development.
GS II – International Issues
Introduction:
- After 25 rounds of boundary negotiations in Beijing, China and Bhutan signed a “Cooperation Agreement” that specifies the Joint Technical Team’s (JTT) responsibilities for demarcating and limiting their common border. The 2017 Doklam standoff was the main reason these negotiations had been put on hold since 2016. To facilitate the Three-Step Roadmap’s implementation, the JTT was established in 2023. The goal of this Roadmap is to finally create a boundary that distinguishes Chinese and Bhutanese territory.
The phases of the Three-Step Roadmap are as follows:
- acknowledging the boundary as “on the table.
- exploring the locations on the ground.
- defining the boundary formally.
The agreement’s effect on India’s interest:
- Strategic Security Concerns: The deal may increase China’s influence in Bhutan, which could have an effect on India’s strategic security in the region. One of the ideas put out by China is a deal to “swap” sections of Doklam that are currently governed by Bhutan for territory that China claims are in Jakarlung and Pasamlung.
- India’s sovereignty and integrity: The Doklam plateau is crucial to the country’s security since any Chinese domination there could endanger the Siliguri Corridor, also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. The corridor is a 22-kilometer (14-mile) tract that links the Indian mainland with its northeastern states. In the event of a military confrontation with New Delhi, Beijing would have unrestricted mobilisation and additional access routes if Beijing controlled the disputed Doklam plateau.
- Possibly a component of Big Game: In 2020, China annexed Bhutan’s Sakteng’s Eastern portion, or Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which borders Arunachal Pradesh in India. Formerly governed by Tibet, which is currently a part of China, Tawang (formerly known as Arunachal Pradesh) was responsible for this sanctuary. so supporting Arunachal Pradesh’s claim by China.
- Economic Impact: By lessening Bhutan’s reliance on India, this agreement may increase economic cooperation between China and Bhutan and lessen India’s influence. 2021 saw China export $108 million to Bhutan. From $199k in 1995 to $108M in 2021, China’s exports to Bhutan have grown at an annualised pace of 27.4% during the past 26 years.
India can take the following actions in light of this development to strengthen its relationship with Bhutan:
- India, Bhutan’s main donor and security supplier, should continue to provide economic and security assistance in order to demonstrate its commitment to the country. Provide market access, technical assistance, and financial support to Bhutan in order to help the country achieve its development goals and improve the lives of its people.
- India has the potential to make significant investments in Bhutan’s infrastructure, including the construction of roads, trains, and hydropower plants, which will improve connectivity and spur economic growth.
- Encourage Cultural and Educational Exchanges: In order to improve people-to-people ties and foster a deeper understanding between India and Bhutan, encourage cultural and educational exchanges.
- Sustain Ongoing Conversations: Establish a foundation for problem-solving by holding frequent conversations at all levels with Bhutan in order to promote understanding and trust.
- Maintain Bhutan’s Distinctive Culture: Assist Bhutan in maintaining and advancing its unique identity and culture by providing support for the preservation of its cultural legacy, tourism, and education.
Conclusion:
- China has used various sorts of stealth methods such as “Salami Slicing” in order to stake its claim to territories such as Paracel Islands from Vietnam and Scarborough Shoal from Philippines. That is why there is fear that such techniques are at play in the case of Bhutan as well. Through all means, India must ensure that Bhutan should not fall victim to this strategy.
