Full Text of External Affairs Minister in Rajya Sabha on Doklam issue

Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, our relations with China have recently come under renewed focus due to developments in the Doklam area in the Sikkim sector close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction boundary.

India’s position on this issue has been articulated in the press statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on June 30th. Our concerns emanate from Chinese action on the ground which have implications for the determination of the tri-junction boundary point between India, China and Bhutan and the alignment of India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector.

Both these aspects of tri-junction points and India-China boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector had been earlier addressed in a written common understanding reached between the Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary question in December 2012.

Point 13 of the common understanding states that “The tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries will be finalized in consultation with the concerned countries.” Since 2012 we have not held any discussion on the tri-junction with Bhutan. The Chinese action in the Doklam area is therefore of concern.

With regard to the boundary in the Sikkim sector there are still steps to be covered before the boundary is finalized. This understanding has been reflected in the Common Understanding of December 2012 in point number 12 which states that “There is mutual agreement on the basis of the alignment of the India China boundary in the Sikkim sector as provided by the convention between China and Great Britain relating to Tibet and Sikkim signed in 1890.

During the Eighth Special Representatives meeting in June 2006, the Chinese side had in fact handed over a non-paper for separate agreement on the boundary in Sikkim sector. The non-paper had proposed that “Both sides may, based on the above mentioned historical treaty i.e. 1890 Convention verify and determine the specific alignment of the Sikkim sector and produce a common record.”

On this basis as the initial result of the boundary settlement both sides may negotiate a final agreement on the boundary alignment in the Sikkim sector to replace the historical treaty. Subsequently in the Special Representatives meeting the Chinese side has made the proposal for finalizing the boundary in Sikkim sector terming it as an early harvest of the SR process thus clearly confirming that the boundary in the Sikkim sector is not yet finalized. Otherwise they would not have used this term “early harvest” as we say “low hanging fruit.”

We have noted that the Chinese side has selectively quoted parts of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s letter of 22nd March, 1959 pertaining to the India-China boundary in the Sikkim sector. A full and accurate account of that letter would have also brought out Prime Minister Nehru’s assertion that was clearly based on the boundary alignment as shown in our Indian published maps.

The Chinese side in their recent document published on the website of their Foreign Ministry had expressed commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas. India always believes that peace and tranquility in the India-China border is an important pre-requisite for smooth development of our bilateral relations. We will continue to engage with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of the Astana Consensus between our leaders. I note the sense of the house is supportive in this regard in keeping the traditional friendship with Bhutan, we will also continue to maintain close consultation and coordination with the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Thank you.