The resolution derived in long standing Doklam dispute by India and China is uncertain.
A trilateral pact engaging India-China-Bhutan is needed to address the long standing dispute.
What is the present status of Doklam dispute?
After a long standoff in doklam India and china paused the dispute peacefully by diplomatic moves.
The 19th national congress of the communist party of China highlighted that the expeditious disengagement at Doklam was a peaceful and dialogue-based resolution.
Even India has earlier stated that the de-escalation was based on mutual agreement, this reflects a trust factor.
Nevertheless, both countries have embraced the disengagement as a diplomatic victory for their own sides.
This resulted in subduing strong public sentiments in both countries.
China even termed it as a victory for Asia, as these two big powers definitely have proven reasons to cooperate rather than to engage in conflict.
Why Doklam issue may haunt Sino-India ties in future?
Lack of legal frameworks -The bilateral politico-legal frameworks are inadequate, with varying connotations and intent, both countries have been referring to the 1890 Convention of Calcutta signed between Great Britain and China.
Such boundary disputes involving China, India and Bhutan had also been referred to in the letters exchanged in 1959 between Prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Zhou Enlai.
These letters are frequently interpreted by both countries to justify their contemporary stances.
Volatile Location -India argues that the tri-junction lies near Batang La, China positions it further down south at Mount Gamochen.
Persisting claims and counter-claims related to patrolling the disengaged region, widening of the road by China just 10 km from Doklam, and the activity of armed forces is never-ending.
In 1965-66, China complained about the presence of Indian troops in the Doklam region.
But Bhutan claimed that the area in question was under Bhutan’s sovereignty.
India claimed that Chinese intrusions happened at regular intervals in 1988 as well as in 2000.
Stand of Bhutan -It cannot be dictated to either by India or China.
Both India and China have been trying to make inroads into Bhutan but the post-Doklam scenario clearly suggests that China has the advantage.
China and Bhutan entered into a border-related agreement in 1988 and subsequently in 1998 prohibiting unilateral measures.
With India too, Bhutan had the friendship treaty to guide its foreign policy.
However, since the treaty was amended in 2007, Bhutan is under no obligation to seek such guidance.
