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Home / IAS Preparation / Mcmahon Line

McMahon Line UPSC Notes: Background, Recognition, Significance & More

Last Updated on Jul 12, 2024
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The McMahon Line is a demarcation line between Tibet and India, particularly delineating the boundary between the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet. It was established as a result of the 1914 Simla Convention between British India and Tibet, although China has never recognized the validity of this boundary. This line has been a significant point of contention in Sino-Indian relations, contributing to longstanding border disputes. The McMahon Line continues to be a critical element in regional geopolitics. It influences both diplomatic dialogues and military standoffs between India and China.

Fig: The McMahon Line on Map

The McMahon Line is one of the most important topics for UPSC IAS Examination. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

In this article on the McMahon line UPSC, we shall discuss where it is located, what is the difference between the Line of Actual Control and the McMahon Line, who determined the McMahon Line, what is its length and the role played by the Shimla Treaty of 1914 in the formulation of the McMahon line. 

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Also, study the NCERT Notes on Charter Act of 1833 from the linked article.

What is McMahon Line?

The McMahon Line demarcates the boundary between India and China, determined after the Shimla Convention was signed on 3rd July 1914. This McMahon Line length is around 90 km and extends from Bhutan in the west to around 260 km in the east, reaching the Brahmaputra River. This line also encompasses the base of the Himalayan region.

Initially, the Government of India rejected both the Shimla Convention as well as the McMahon Line because the Government believed that it was not compatible with the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907. It is a line of boundary located between India and China. It covers around 890 km and passes over parts of Bhutan in the west to around 260 km in the East, extending till the Brahmaputra river. This line of demarcation also covers the base of the Himalayan mountains.

The line of actual control is a line of demarcation between India and China. It is located in both countries' Western borders and between the Ladakh region of India and China. The McMahon Line was determined and named after Henry McMahon, the Foreign Secretary of the British colonial government. He was also the chief negotiator of the Simla Agreement of 1907. 

Background of McMahon Line

The McMahon Line, named after Sir Henry McMahon, was delineated during the 1914 Simla Convention, officially known as the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet. At the convention, Sir Henry McMahon, then serving as the Foreign Secretary in the British Indian government, defined this demarcation. China's representation at the convention came from the government of the Republic of China, which held authority on the mainland from 1912 to 1949.

Shimla Treaty

The Shimla Treaty established the McMahon Line as the well-defined border between India and China. Under this treaty, the British colonial authorities, representing India, recognized Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and the southern portion of Tibet as integral parts of India. This understanding was also mutually accepted by the Tibetan authorities. Consequently, the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh was integrated into India's territory.

Read the article on the International Boundary of India!

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Significance of the McMahon Line

The McMahon Line holds significant geopolitical and historical importance in the context of the India-China border dispute. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

  • The McMahon Line is considered the official boundary between the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Tibetan region of China.
  • The line was drawn as part of the Simla Convention of 1914 between British India and Tibet. It was negotiated by Sir Henry McMahon, the then British foreign secretary in India, and representatives of Tibet.
  • India considers the McMahon Line as the internationally recognized boundary between India and China in the eastern sector. It forms the basis of India's territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Arunachal Pradesh is strategically significant due to its proximity to Tibet and its potential for military and economic purposes. The McMahon Line determines the extent of Indian sovereignty in the region.
  • The McMahon Line is at the center of the ongoing border dispute between India and China in the eastern sector. It has been a contentious issue, leading to tensions and military standoffs between the two countries.

Read the article on the South China Sea Dispute!

India’s Stand on the McMahon Line

India recognizes the McMahon Line and considers it to be the ‘Actual Line of Control (LAC)’ between India and China, on other hand China does not recognize the McMahon Line. The land in question is in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, which China considers the Southern part of Tibet. As per which China considers the Southern part of Tibet. According to India, Tibet was not part of China when the McMahon Line was drawn in 1914. Therefore, the McMahon Line is the clear and legal boundary line between India and China.

Does China recognize the McMahon Line?

The McMahon Line resulted from negotiation between India and Tibet and did not involve even the indirect participation of the Chinese government. Thus, this line is considered illegal by the Chinese Government, and China does not accept it while claiming that the representatives by whom the Shimla Convention of 1914 was signed did not have the right or the authority to do so. Based on the Shimla convention only, the Mac Mohan line was formulated. Thus, the Chinese government gave the reason that Ivan Chan, a Chinese delegate present at the Simla conference, did not have the authority to be present during the Shimla convention.

Taktsang, the last village in India, is the closest village near the McMahon line. This village is the point of demarcation between the Tibet region of China and the Arunachal Pradesh of India. This village is occupied by tribal populations, which are around a hundred in number.

Study in detail about Important Boundary Lines in the World here!

Difference between McMahon Line and Johnson Line

The McMahon Line serves as India's official border with Tibet, while the Johnson Line, proposed in the 1860s, demarcates the boundary between the Indian region of Ladakh and Aksai Chin, disputed by China.

Difference between McMahon Line and Johnson Line

Parameter

McMahon Line

Johnson Line

Origin

Proposed as part of the Simla Convention of 1914 by Sir Henry McMahon

Put forward by British diplomat Eric Teichman in 1929

Territorial Scope

Defines the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh (India) and Tibet (China)

Suggests a more extensive boundary, beyond the McMahon Line, into Indian territory

Recognition

Considered internationally recognized boundary in the eastern sector

Did not receive official recognition from India or the international community

Impact

Forms basis of India's territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh

Has not had significant impact on the India-China border dispute or official boundary

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Definition and Location: The McMahon Line is the boundary line demarcating the territories between Arunachal Pradesh, India, and Tibet, China.
  • Historical Background: Established in 1914 during the Simla Convention involving representatives from British India and Tibet, but rejected by China.
  • Parties Involved: The agreement on the McMahon Line was signed by British India and Tibet, without endorsement from China, leading to its non-recognition by the Chinese government.
  • Geopolitical Significance: This line remains a critical point of contention in the Sino-Indian border disputes, particularly affecting the eastern sector.
  • Conflict and Tensions: The McMahon Line has been central to various military standoffs, including the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which highlighted the significant territorial disagreements.
  • Legal Status: India considers the McMahon Line as its official boundary with Tibet, whereas China disputes its legality and legitimacy.
  • Strategic Importance: The areas around the McMahon Line, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, are strategically significant due to their geographic and economic potential.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the McMahon Line will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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McMahon Line UPSC FAQs

The McMahon Line is the boundary line between the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and the Tibetan region of China. It was drawn as part of the Simla Convention of 1914.

McMahon Line and Johnson Line are different lines proposed to demarcate the border between India and China in the eastern sector. The McMahon Line is internationally recognized. The Johnson Line did not receive official acceptance.

Only one Indian state, Arunachal Pradesh, touches the McMahon Line.

The Durand Line is the boundary line between India and Afghanistan.

The India-Myanmar border is divided by the Indo-Myanmar Boundary Line.

The India-Nepal border is divided by the India-Nepal Boundary Line.
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