Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Doklam issue is becoming serious' that was published in Newsband

Doklam issue is becoming serious

Doklam  is a narrow plateau lying in the tri-junction of Bhutan, China and India. It is a disputed territory claimed by both Bhutan and China. It is situated roughly 15 kilometers from the Nathu La pass that separates India and China. Doklam is part of the Chumbi Valley that lies primarily in Tibet. Doka La is a pass connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with Tibet in China.

China and Bhutan have agreed via written agreements of 1988 and 1998 that both countries will agree to maintain peace and the status quo in the region. In 2017, China attempted to build a road in a sector of Doklam triggering a stand-off between China and India and a demarche against China from Bhutan. It was an attempt by China to construct a road from Yadong to Doklam. Unlike China and Bhutan, India does not have a claim on Doklam; however, India supports Bhutan's claim on the territory.

China is believed to have not taken kindly to India building many new bunkers and upgrading older ones along the border in Sikkim in the recent past to augment its defences against the People's Liberation Army (PLA). In retaliation of India's prevention of road construction by China in the disputed area also claimed by China, the Chinese road building crew destroyed an Indian Army bunker in late June.

Bhutan and India enjoy the closest relationship of mutual trust and confidence and enduring friendship. There is absolutely no controversy about military-to-military cooperation and understanding between our two countries. India holds Bhutanese sovereignty as sacred and inviolable.

 India and Bhutan voluntarily still maintain very strong comprehensive ties, parts of which are focused at mutually countering aggression from China. Bhutan has no diplomatic ties with China. Bhutan formally protested against China's incursion into its territory and sought India's help under the friendship treaty against Chinese incursion. Near the disputed area inside Bhutan, India maintains an Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) and Indian Army Corps of Engineers' Border Roads Organisation has built over 15 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) roads, airports, helipads, etc. for Bhutan's defence and transport.

 Doklam is a disputed territory and Bhutan has a written agreement with China that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, peace and tranquillity should be maintained in the area. China has violated this 'peace agreement' by trying to construct roads in Doklam.

 National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is also likely to visit China on July 26-27 for BRICS NSAs meeting. At a meeting, the government briefed Opposition party leaders on the ongoing stand-off between India and China over Doklam border issue. The meeting comes ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament which could lead to heated exchanges between the Centre and Opposition leaders.

The Doklam stand-off has seen Chinese media invoking the 1962 war between both the nations. The Chinese media resorted to recalling editorials and pictures from five decades ago warning India about the consequences of the war. The stand-off at Doklam between Indian Army and China’s PLA came to light after the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims were refused entry through Nathu La Pass on Sikkim border. China claims ownership of Doklam region, strategically important for India, China and Bhutan. Since the standoff began, there has been an exchange of heated remarks from both the sides. However, it is hoped that the two countries will use official diplomatic channels to reach a solution.