Question

Two developments strained this relationship. China annexed Tibet in 1950 and thus removed a historical buffer between the two countries. Initially, the government of India did not oppose this openly. But as more information came in about the suppression of Tibetan culture, the Indian government grew uneasy. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, sought and obtained political asylum in India in 1959. China alleged that the government of India was allowing anti-: China activities to take place from within India.

Read the above passage carefully and answer the following questions:-

What is meant by 'historical buffer?

Why didn't Government of India oppose the annexation of Tibet by China?

How far was it justified on the part of India to grant political asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees?

Answer 1

1. A buffer is a country or an area between two powerful states. It reduces the risk of war between them.

2. (a) In 1954, the 'Panchsheel Agreement' was signed between India and China.

(b) According to one of its (Panchsheel Agreement) clauses about respecting each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, India conceded China's claim over Tibet. China assured India that Tibet will be given greater autonomy than enjoyed by any other region in China.

3. (a) In 1958, there was an armed uprising in Tibet against China's occupation.

(b) However, more information came in about the suppression of Tibetan culture by the Chinese forces. Consequently, the Dalai Lama sought and got political asylum in India in 1959, along with thousands of Tibetan refugees. Thus, it was justified on the part of India to grant political asylum on humanitarian grounds.