2017 China–India border standoff

Date	16 June 2017 - ongoing
Location	Doklam

Belligerents

India
(on behalf of

Bhutan)

China

Casualties and losses

several injured

The 2017 China India border standoff refers to the military border standoff between the Indian armed forces and the People's Liberation Army of China over construction of a road in Doklam (known as Donglang in China). The standoff started on 16 June 2017 when Chinese troops with construction vehicles and road-building equipment began moving south into Doklam, a territory which India and Bhutan consider as Bhutanese territory. On 18 June 2017, around 270 Indian troops, with weapons and two bulldozers, entered Doklam to stop the Chinese troops from constructing the road.

Unlike China and Bhutan, India does not claim Doklam but supports Bhutan's claim.

Doklam is an area disputed between China and Bhutan located near their tri junction with India. As per Chinese claims, Doklam is located in the Xigaze area of Tibet, bordering the state of Sikkim

In 1949, Bhutan signed a treaty with India giving allowance to India to guide its diplomatic and defense affairs. In 2007, the treaty was superseded by a new friendship treaty that replaced the provision that made it mandatory for Bhutan to take India's guidance on foreign policy, providing broader sovereignty to Bhutan and not requiring it to obtain India's permission over arms imports. Article 2 of the 2007 Friendship Treaty signed by India and Bhutan in 2007 states:

In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests.

Former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of India to China, Nirupama Rao said:

Bhutan and India enjoy the closest relationship of mutual trust and confidence and enduring friendship. There is absolutely no controversy about military-to-military cooperation and understanding between our two countries. India holds Bhutanese sovereignty as sacred and inviolable.

Ambassador of Bhutan to India Vetsop Namgyel stated,

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