India and Bhutan share a unique bond, which was recently tested by China's aggressive military infrastructure build-up in the Doklam region. Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering's recent statement that Beijing has an "equal" say in any discussion regarding the Doklam dispute has raised several concerns for India's national security. This article evaluates the implications of this statement and its impact on India-Bhutan relations.

 

The Doklam standoff in 2017 was seen as a major victory for India, but since then, China has engaged in an unprecedented military infrastructure build-up in the region. This has posed a potential threat to India's strategic Siliguri Corridor, which connects the northeastern states with the rest of the country. The Bhutanese Prime Minister's statement has raised doubts about the 'unwavering' Indian and Bhutanese contention that the tri-junction lies at Batang La, not at Mount Gipmochi as claimed by China. This could cause a serious problem for the security of the Siliguri Corridor.

 

The Congress has urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the long-standing partnership with Bhutan remains strong and deepened. It is crucial that the Narendra Modi government responds to China's aggression and reassures India's security. Jawaharlal Nehru's 1958 State visit to Bhutan highlights the special relationship between India and Bhutan, and it is essential to maintain this relationship in the face of China's aggression.

 

India must take all necessary steps to protect its security and ensure that the India-Bhutan partnership remains unshakeable. This includes responding to China's renewed verbal, geographical, and military aggression, which threatens the regional stability and security of India. The article concludes that India-Bhutan relations must be strengthened, and the Doklam dispute must be resolved in a way that ensures the security and well-being of both nations. Reference source: TH

 

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