Dehradun: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan shed light on the rationale behind the Panchsheel Agreement between India and China. According to General Chauhan, India recognized Tibet as part of China in 1954 under the accord. While India believed the agreement would resolve the northern border dispute, China considered it merely a commercial arrangement.
Speaking at an event in Dehradun, CDS Chauhan said, “After independence, the British left, and it was essentially up to India to determine its strategic frontiers. Prime Minister Nehru likely knew the situation, as the McMahon Line existed in the east, and we had some claims in the Ladakh region, though not formally established there.”
He added, “Nehru wanted stability in the region, which was equally important for the Chinese. When they took control over Tibet, they moved into Lhasa. This area was particularly difficult for both sides. India, as a newly independent nation, was keen to maintain good relations with China. In 1954, India recognized Tibet as part of China, and both countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement.”
The CDS emphasized that the accord reflected India’s desire for peace and stable bilateral ties during the early years of independence.
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