Indo-China border dispute

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                                Indo-China border strategy

Importance of disputed regions

Soon after its independence in 1947, India was one of the first few countries that recognized the People’s Republic of China. Since then, India and China relations have been harmonious, but only till the mid-50s. In the late 50s when China intruded into Tibet, Dalai Lama in 1959, fled to India and took refuge. That’s when India and China started walking apart, China put India at fault for accepting Dalai Lama and refugees.

The conflict grew to the war of 1962, and since then India and China have had border disputes. Areas under conflict are:

1.     1.  The northwestern Himalayan region near Ladakh is called Aksai-Chin.

2.    2. Doklam plateau in the Sikkim and Bhutan region.

3.      3. Arunachal Pradesh 

 

Aksai-Chin

Ladakh is essential for preserving Indian presence on the Siachen Glacier since it offers a direct route to the frozen front line and links to the rest of the nation. Pakistan claims Gilgit and Baltistan, which is located across the Saltoro Ridge from the Siachen Glacier. China boasts Aksai Chin, which is to the east of it. 

India has been successful in preventing China and Pakistan from unifying by maintaining a presence on the Siachen glacier.

image from- Times of India

 

Doklam Plateaus

The dispute over the Doklam Plateaus in 2017, when China pressed forward into the region of Bhutan, and India had to interfere in the matter and help Bhutan to push back Chinese troops. India’s interference was not just a token of friendship towards Bhutan, but a strategic move too. Doklam plateaus are too near to the Siliguri corridor also called the chicken’s neck. This 22 km wide corridor is the only passage that connects eastern India to the Mainland. And in the time of war this will be an important place to protect it is called chicken’s neck for a reason.

 

image from - Asian Affairs

 

Arunachal Pradesh

This region is rich in minerals and natural resources, and the high mountains provide a great defense mechanism. The Brahmaputra Valley and other North Eastern states of India benefit from the strategic depth that Arunachal Pradesh offers. Especially the Tawang region, due to its geographic proximity, Arunachal Pradesh offers protection to Bhutan on its entire Eastern flank. Also setting up missiles in this region by India during the time of war or just for defense presence will be a great threat to China due to its proximity. 

image from - Times of India

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