What is the News ?

The 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan boundary issues was held recently.

Facts About:

• A joint press release from Beijing and Thimphu said the 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) was held in Beijing 
• It described as an “important outcome” the setting up of a Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of the China-Bhutan Boundary, which held its first meeting along the sidelines of the EGM. 

• The two sides had talks on 
  1. continuously implementing the MOU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations 
  2. agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map
  3. agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings
  4. holding the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues as soon as possible 
  5. maintaining communication on holding the 25th Round of China-Bhutan Boundary Talk
• It did not, however, announce a date for the already much delayed 25th round of boundary talks, which have not been held since 2016.
• In recent months, both sides have portrayed the long-running talks as picking up speed and nearing a possible solution, which would have ramifications for India. 
• While there was a two-year gap between the 10th round of the EGM held in April 2021 and the 11th round of the EGM held in January 2023, the last two rounds have been held in relatively quick succession.

Impact on India

• Experts in India have said any deal between Beijing and Thimphu that accedes to a “swap arrangement” between areas to the North (Jamparlung and Pasamlung valleys) with Doklam to the West would be of concern to India, given the proximity to India’s narrow “Siliguri corridor” that connects northeastern States with the rest of India. 
• India and China were involved in a stand-off in Doklam near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction in 2017. 
• In March, the Bhutanese Prime Minister said in an interview that the process of “demarcating territories” and “drawing a line” could be completed “after one or two more meetings”.

Conclusion

The boundary talks between Bhutan and China began in 1984, and the 24th round was held in 2016. 

The talks have largely focused on disputed areas to Bhutan’s north, and to its west, abutting the Doklam plateau. 

However, these have been stalled since 2016, especially after the 2017 Doklam stand-off.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/post-covid-necessary-for-neighbours-to-work-together-bhutan-fm-on-china-bhutan-boundary-talks/article65646740.ece