India Not Staking Claim Today Doesn’t Mean It Can’t Do So Tomorrow: Mamata

India Not Staking Claim Today Doesn’t Mean It Can’t Do So Tomorrow: Mamata

Keywords: India, Mamata Banerjee, Bhutan, Territorial Disputes

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that India’s decision not to stake a claim on Bhutanese territory at present does not affect its rights to do so in the future.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 4th Global Bhutan Conference, Banerjee said, “India not staking a claim today does not mean that it can’t do so tomorrow.”

She emphasized that borders are not merely lines but reflect historical relationships and circumstances. She added that both India and Bhutan have always maintained a close and friendly relationship, which is why India has respected Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

However, Banerjee noted that India has not renounced its historical claims to certain areas of Bhutan and that these could be pursued in the future if circumstances change. She called for a peaceful and amicable resolution of any boundary issues between the two countries.

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom located between India and China. The two countries have a long-standing boundary dispute, with India claiming parts of southwestern Bhutan. Bhutan has consistently rejected these claims, and the dispute has been unresolved for decades.

Banerjee’s comments come amidst renewed tensions between India and China over their own border dispute. China has recently laid claim to several Indian territories, leading to a standoff between the two countries in the Himalayas.

Observers believe that Banerjee’s statement is a reminder that India is not willing to concede any territory to China or any other country. It also highlights the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbors and the potential for future claims on disputed territories.