India to build more roads on China border:

India to build more roads on China border:

Context:

• The Indian Ministry of Defence has decided to significantly enhance infrastructure along the Sino-Indian border including near Doklam.

What are the bolstering capabilities of India?

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) following the Dokalam standoff had fast-tracked the construction of the 73 strategic India-China Border Roads along the LAC, most of which are planned to be completed by 2022.
• Besides developing proper road connectivity, India is also ensuring the capability development of its forces through force multipliers such as artillery guns and helicopters to be ready for any future conflict.
• A road map for intra-sector connectivity within the central sector and the inter-sector connectivity with neighboring areas is also taken into consideration.

The Doklam Issue: an overview

• The Doklam conflict started when India (Indian Army) objected a road construction by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in the Doklam plateau which China claims to be a part of its Donglang region. However, India and Bhutan recognise it as Doklam, a Bhutan territory.
• Later, China accuses Indian troops of entering in its territory and India accused the Chinese of destroying its bunkers (People’s Liberation Army bulldozed an old bunker of the Indian army stationed in Doklam).
• Thereafter China stopped the passage pilgrims heading toward Kailash-Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass, Sikkim.

What are the causes of friction between India and China?

• India has done well since 1991 and has emerged as one of the largest economies in the world, but the gap with China will remain enduring for the foreseeable future. Some of the causes of friction between India and China are as follows:
• One of the major reasons of tension between India and China is the border dispute surrounding Arunachal Pradesh.
• There is another region named Aksai Chin in Jammu and Kashmir that is part of this border dispute as well; Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India while Aksai Chin is a part of China.
• China has also been opposed to India’s entry in Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) that contains 48 countries in all.
• China wants to be a dominant force in Indian Ocean. China has adopted a strategy named String of Pearls whereby it has set up bases all across the area, where India and the US maintain naval bases as well.
• Thus, India is afraid that this is a major containment strategy by its northeastern neighbours.
• In case of China and India, water issues are becoming major area of concern between two states.
• China’s plan of constructing big dams and diverting the water of rivers to its own advantage has discontented in India.

Conclusion:

• India needs to be self-reliant in the defence sector.
• Jointness and integration by all services should be a priority for emerging challenges.
• Moreover, utmost priority has to be given to procurement of arms, ammunition and equipment.