According to recent reports, China and Bhutan have made a significant decision to expedite the demarcation of their disputed border. This development has the potential to bear strategic implications for India, given that one of the areas currently under discussion is Doklam, a plateau that witnessed a tense standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies in 2017.

The move to fast-track the border demarcation process between China and Bhutan has drawn keen attention from various quarters, especially India, as it could potentially alter the regional dynamics in this strategically sensitive region. The Doklam plateau, where the 2017 standoff occurred, holds particular significance, as any resolution in this area may affect India's security concerns and its relationships with both China and Bhutan.

This development highlights the evolving dynamics and diplomatic intricacies in the region, and it remains a topic of interest and vigilance for India, which closely monitors developments along its borders.

As per reports, a longstanding border dispute between China and Bhutan encompasses approximately 764 square kilometers of land in northwestern and central Bhutan. The origins of this dispute trace back to the Chinese occupation of Tibet in the 1950s, marking a complex and historical disagreement.

Over the years, the two nations have engaged in extensive dialogue, having conducted 24 rounds of talks specifically addressing this issue, along with 13 Expert Group Meetings (EGM), including three convened in the current year.

During the most recent 13th EGM held in Beijing from August 21 to 24, significant progress was achieved. China and Bhutan established a joint technical group focused on the delimitation of their borders. This technical group convened its inaugural meeting on the sidelines of the EGM, underscoring the commitment to addressing the border matter.

According to a joint statement released during these discussions, both China and Bhutan expressed their shared resolve to expedite the boundary negotiations in a phased manner. They agreed to implement a "Three-Step Roadmap" previously established, signaling their commitment to swiftly advancing toward a resolution of the border issue.

This development marks a noteworthy step in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the border dispute between the two nations, drawing attention from regional stakeholders and observers.

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