Bhutan-China Boundary Talks

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Bhutan-China Boundary Talks

News: Bhutan and China recently conducted their 25th round of boundary talks, marking the first such meeting since 2016.

Why is it significant?
• Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji's visit to China is remarkable. Bhutan and China lack diplomatic ties, making this visit unprecedented.
• A significant outcome of the talks was the signing of a “Cooperation Agreement” that established a Joint Technical Team for the delimitation and demarcation of the Bhutan-China boundary.

About the Dispute:
• The history of the Bhutan-China border dispute started in 1950 when China published a map claiming areas in the west and north of Bhutan.
• China claims parts of Bhutan, including the strategic Doklam region. Other regions of dispute include Gamochen, Batangla, Sinchela, Sakteng Sanctuary and Amo Chhu.

India’s concerns and Assurance from Bhutan:
• India, Bhutan's close ally, is cautious about Bhutan establishing diplomatic ties with China and signing a boundary agreement.
• However, Bhutan's Prime Minister assured that any agreement with China will not compromise India's interests.
• India aims to safeguard its interests, particularly in preventing China's proximity to the vital Siliguri corridor.
• The 2017 Doklam crisis taught India the importance of aligning strategies with Bhutan, rather than expecting compliance from an independent nation.