Tawang: Geostrategic importance for India

Kshetrimayum Bidya Devi *

Department of National Security Studies, Manipur University at Bumla Pass

Tawang is located in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, which is known as "the land of the rising sun", and is in the northeastern region of India. Tawang is also known for its historical and military significance, with landmarks like the Tawang War Memorial and Bumla Pass.

Making of Tawang

The history of Tawang was built by Tibetan people in 1951, and they had two headquarters, one at Dirang Dzong (South of Sela Pass) and one in Tawang itself. At the end of 1950, three and a half years after India's independence, the area of Dirang Dzong was still under a loose Tibetan administration.

However, with the signing of the 1914 Shimla Accord, Tawang and all regions of Arunachal Pradesh, South of the McMahon line, became a part of British India. However, despite two attempts, British India could not bring Tawang under British India's administrative control for various reasons.

After China annexed Tibet on 7th November 1950, there was an increasing recognition of China’s expansionist moves, particularly by then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel. By December 1950, the advisor was informed that the government had decided to establish a post at Tawang without delay, as this part of India had not had any Indian government presence till then.

Needed to be secured and brought under Indian administration and control; Major Bob Khating, who was an Assistant Political officer (APO) in the Indian Frontier Administrative Service (IFAS), had to occupy Tawang and establish a post there to communicate with the people of Tawang and in 14th February 1951, Tawang officially became as a part of India.

Significance of the Border

Tawang lies close to the line of actual control (LAC), Bumla Pass (15200 ft), the border between India and China. It is situated at over 3000m in the Eastern Himalayas. This region makes a frontline area in case of any military conflict between the two countries.

A clear example was the 1962 Sino-India War. In that war, Tawang became one of the main battlefields. It borders China's Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and Bhutan to the west. The region’s strategic location allows for monitoring cross-border movements and defence preparedness. Besides, the Sela Pass is a critical supply line for the Indian armed forces near the border.

China’s claim and the Tibet factor

From 1949 to 1959, the Chinese started to annexe Tibet, and they claimed Tawang as a part of Tibet, which was under the control of China. China did not recognise the border, the McMahon Line, at the time of the Shimla Accord of 1914. In the historical factor, the sixth Dalai Lama of Tibet, who was associated with China, was born in Tawang.

So, his tribute, Tawang Monastery, was built in Tawang. All these factors helped China claim Tawang as part of China. They claim China should control it.

Military and Strategic value

For the Indian armed forces, Tawang has significance like Tawang War Memorial, which is a monument honouring the soldiers who fought in the Indo-China war of 1962, Bumla Pass, which is a high-altitude mountain pass about 15200 ft, that was a site of the 1962 war and connects India and China.

Moreover, it makes a buffer zone that protects the strategically vital plain of Assam and the Siliguri corridor, often called the “Chicken Neck”. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) develops many infrastructures in Tawang, like roads, tunnels and airstrips. They make Tawang a tourist spot. The Indian army possesses highly advanced technology weapons and military vehicles like ATOR, which are prepared in case any conflict happens at the border.

Finally, Tawang’s geostrategic importance stems from its critical location near the India-China border; its cultural significance means Tawang is the home of Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India, which serves as a symbol of India’s deep-rooted cultural ties with Tibetan Buddhism, and it helps counter China’s narrative.

We should know Tawang’s contribution to National Security and its multifaceted role in India’s defence and diplomacy.