Sikkim: A History of Intrigue and Alliance
The Indian leadership was in a pacifist mode with Nehru even questioning the need for India to have an army, believing that no one threatened India and India threatened no one. There was a lack of interest in placing even a minimum number of observation posts at key positions on India's borders with Tibet. This lacuna resulted in India being unaware of the movement of PLA forces out of Sinkiang through the Indian territory of Aksai Chin on their way to occupy western Tibet. A violation of Indian territory had thus taken place in October 1950 but because India had completely disregarded the geostrategic factor, it was unaware of this development.
Once China had occupied Tibet, it presented India with a reality that could no longer be ignored. Accordingly, Palden Thondup's ambition to be placed on a par with Bhutan no longer carried any weight. The treaty negotiated with Sikkim expanded India's role in the state, declaring it a protectorate whose external affairs, defence and communications were placed entirely within India's domain. Subject to these categorical provisions, the state was to 'enjoy autonomy in regard to its internal affairs'. "
| ISBN/SKU | 9789354226434 |
| Imprint | Harper Collins |
| Language | English |
| Format | Paperback |
| Pages | 275 |
| Year of Pub. | 2021 |
