The 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at the Doklam Plateau in June 2017 proved to be the biggest challenge for India’s military and diplomatic establishment. It also showed up the inadequacy of India’s strategic defence infrastructure.
IndiaSpend highlights five developments in 2017 that show why India must do more to fill the ever expanding holes in its security apparatus.
The Doka la standoff and why border roads are critical
The Doka La standoff began on 16 June, 2017, after Indian soldiers objected to China’s attempts at building a motorable road at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction near Sikkim. This is a Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing. The road, if built, could give China a crucial strategic military advantage over India, altering the status quo.
The standoff proved that India needs better infrastructure along the Sino-Indian border, especially roads. These roads are crucial for the deployment of troops and the supply of resources in remote border regions in the event of conflict.
In 2006-07, India had approved the construction of 73 strategic border roads scheduled for completion by 2012. However, only 27 of these have been constructed by the Border Roads Organization, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on 4 August, 2017.
The deadline for the construction of these roads has been extended to 2020.
China, on the other hand, has constructed an “extensive network of railway lines, highways, metal-top roads, air bases, radars, logistics hubs and other infrastructure in the Tibet Autonomous Region” bordering India, The Times of India reported on 21 August, 2017.
China has started “flexing its muscles” and is resorting to “salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner”, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat had said referring to the Doka La standoff. He also spoke of the need to “remain prepared for situations” which could result in conflict.
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