Bhutan–India border
The Bhutan–India border is the international border separating Bhutan and India. The border is 699 km long, and adjoins the Indian states of Assam (267 km), Arunachal Pradesh (217 km), West Bengal (183 km), and Sikkim(32 km).[1]
Bhutan–India border | |
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The gate marking the border, view from Phuntsholing, Bhutan | |
Characteristics | |
Entities | |
Length | 699 km |
History | |
Established | November 11, 1865 Signing of the Treaty of Sinchula at the end of the Bhutan War |
Current shape | 1973-1984 Further delimitation by Bhutan and India |
Treaties | Treaty of Sinchula |
History
The Treaty of Peace between Britain and Bhutan demarcated the border in 1865, following the Bhutan War. The boundary was further detailed and refined in the 1973-1984 period through talks between Bhutan and India. Remaining disputes have been minor and concern part of the border with Arunachal Pradesh, and the region between Sarbhang and Geylegphug.[2]
Transport and crossings
The border between Bhutan and India is the only land access into entering Bhutan, as the border with China is completely closed. The single entry point for foreign nationals is between the towns of Jaigaon in the Indian state of West Bengal and Phuntsholing, in South West Bhutan.[3]
Border protection
The Indian government deploys 12 battalions of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and 132 border posts, to guard the border on its side. The bilateral Indian-Bhutan Group Border Management and Security has been established to collaboratively assess and secure the border between the two countries.[1]
Following the 2017 China–India border standoff, the Indian government increased the number of border posts.[4]
References
- "Management of Indo-Bhutan border" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-03-17. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
- "Foreign Relations: India". Country Studies: Bhutan. Library of Congress. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
- Lonely Planet: Bhutan
- Chauhani, Neeraj (20 Dec 2017). "SSB to strengthen presence on India-Bhutan border". Times of India.