Why is Doklam strategically important?

Posted on Feb 06, 2026 / Travel

Why is Doklam strategically important?

Doklam’s importance comes mostly from its geographic location overlooking key mountain valleys and the nearby Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. Control or influence over Doklam gives an advantage in observing and potentially moving through the surrounding valleys and ridges. Because of its altitude and position between three countries, military planners see it as an area that could impact access and security in the region. This means small shifts in control or infrastructure can have outsized strategic effects. For India in particular, any change near Doklam could affect how easily it can defend the Siliguri Corridor area. Bhutan’s claim and interest stem from longstanding boundary definitions with China. China also values the broader border areas as part of its own frontier security and connectivity goals.



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