Recently, a face-off occurred between troops from India and China in the Tawang sector along the Yangtze river in Arunachal Pradesh. This clash marked the first incident between the Indian soldiers and Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army) troops since the Galwan Valley confrontation in 2020.
The Backdrop of the Event
According to the Indian Army, a few regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tawang Sector are areas of differing perception. The LAC is segmented into western (Ladakh), middle (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), Sikkim, and eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors. Both sides have persistently patrolled up to their claim lines since 2006. The recent event unfolded just a few days after China protested against Operation Yudhabhyas, an India-US joint military exercise held at Auli in the Uttarakhand hills. China stated it as a breach of the 1993 and 1996 border agreements.
The Geopolitical Importance of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, recognized as the Northeast Frontier Agency (NEFA) until 1972, is the most extensive state in northeastern India. It shares international borders with Tibet in the north and northwest, Bhutan to the west, and Myanmar to the east. With its strategic location, the state serves as a protective shield for the northeast. However, China asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is part of southern Tibet, with its primary focus on the district of Tawang, which is located in the north-western region of Arunachal and borders Bhutan and Tibet.
The Influence of the Bhutan Factor
If China gains control over Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan would end up having Chinese neighbors on both its western and eastern peripheries. Currently, to the west of Bhutan, China has already initiated the construction of roads linking strategic points.
The Power of Water
Water acts as a geostrategic weapon in the hands of China, having control over India’s water supply to the northeastern region. It has erected numerous dams that could potentially trigger floods or droughts in this area.
China’s Interest in the Tawang Sector
Tawang is strategically important for China as it provides an entry point into India’s northeastern region and is a critical junction between Tibet and the Brahmaputra Valley. The Galden Namgey Lhatse in Tawang, the world’s second-largest Tibetan Buddhism monastery, is another reason for China’s interest in the region.
The Cultural Connections and Political Significance
Tawang is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism, and some tribes in the upper Arunachal region have cultural connections with the Tibetan population. Furthermore, when the Dalai Lama escaped Tibet in 1959, he entered India through Tawang and found refuge in the Tawang Monastery for some time.
The Way Forward
India needs to remain alert towards any new development in China near its border to protect its interests effectively. In addition, it must build robust infrastructure in challenging border areas within its territory to ensure efficient movement of personnel and logistical supplies.
A Lookback at UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
The 2021 question was, “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.
In 2017, the question was, “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. Discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.
