Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: China
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks knowledge of Indian geography and international relations, specifically territorial disputes. Tawang is a region in Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. It has strategic, cultural and religious significance and features prominently in discussions about the India China border dispute, especially in the eastern sector.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Tawang region lies in Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed almost entirely by China as part of south Tibet. India considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of its territory. This disagreement creates a longstanding land border dispute between India and China in the eastern sector. Pakistan borders India in the west, Bangladesh in the east plains and Afghanistan touches India only through the small Wakhan corridor claim, but none of these involve the Tawang sector. Therefore the correct answer is China.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to check is to recall major Indian border disputes: in the west, India disputes parts of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan; in the east and north east, India has boundary issues with China in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Bangladesh and India previously had enclaves and land boundary agreement issues but not near Tawang. Associating each dispute with its region helps confirm that the Tawang dispute is specific to China.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pakistan: Border dispute with Pakistan concerns mainly Jammu and Kashmir in the western Himalayas, not Tawang in the eastern sector.
Afghanistan: India has only a very narrow contact historically through the northern areas and no active dispute near Tawang.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh shares plains borders with India in the east but not a Himalayan sector involving Tawang.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may automatically choose Pakistan whenever a border dispute with India is mentioned, because of the prominence of the Kashmir issue. Others may be confused between different Himalayan sectors. To avoid such mistakes, it is crucial to link particular regions with the correct neighbouring country: Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh disputes involve China, whereas the line of control issues involve Pakistan. Tawang is clearly associated with the India China boundary.
Final Answer:
India has a land border dispute near Tawang with China.
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