Thread by @cbkwgl

Tibet is another legally murky territory. China invaded and occupied it but the erstwhile government of Tibet fled to India. So, China's occupation itself is still disputed. Now, going further back into history. Let me talk about three distinct units which matter -

Tibet, Guge and South Tibet. Guge is a tricky subject. It was an independent kingdom and almost alm history, it was independent of Tibet. In 1642, Ladakh invaded Guge and conquered it. Consequently, the border between Ladakh and Tibet was marked near Mt Kailash.

In 1684, Ladakh was pushed back and a treaty was signed. The border is loosely defined to be between Stok, Ruthog and Ngari. But because of the religious importance attached to Manasarovara, Ladakh was given a village - Minsar just by the sacred lake. Likewise, Bhutan,

which was also a part of the same war was given a village near Mt Kailash. And both the countries will have unhindered access to their estates. Now, the fun part. When Dogras conquered Ladakh, they rejected the 1684 treaty and invaded Guge. The expedition was defeated but

two things came to be out of that invasion
1. 1684 treaty is not held sacrosanct
2. The borders were declared as that of before the war.
Meaning Minsar is still with India. In fact, Dogra tax collectors went to Minsar at least till 1954.

When border discussions came with India and China, Nehru ordered Indian delegation not to bring up Minsar if China doesn't. And China didn't. Meaning, even today, Minsar is legally India's and India has access to Indian military between Demchok and Minsar

if India wants to set up an army base there. Likewise, Bhutan has access till Mt Kailash through G219. Can India demand access? Fully so. Now to South Tibet. There are multiple issues with that.
1. China calls it out as an unequal treaty

2. China claims Tibet is it's vassal when the treaty is signed and that China is not a party to the treaty.
On the other hand, the Tibetan Government recognises this border. And that makes the territory legally India's. Now, let's assume China's stand is correct.

Then what happens? The last treaty which Tibet signed and which China didn't reject becomes valid. What's that? Surprise. Treaty of Thapathali, 1846 which makes Tibet a tribute paying entity to Nepal - in effect, a vassal of Nepal which inturn is a vassal of India.

This treaty was never repudiated. Now the legal position is this.
1. As the suzerain for Tibet, India is legally bound to invade China and liberate Tibet
2. China is expected to cough up the tribute to India along with interest for the last 75 years.

So, what's the takeaway?
1. Treaties are not worth the paper they are signed over
2. The situation is murky enough for India to lay claim on Guge, if not the whole of Tibet.
3. India can legally demand access to Minsar and is permitted to set up a military base there.

Just think of the implications of an Indian military base bang on G219 and through which China will have to pass to reach Burang. If that happens, either Ali will be compromised or Burang will be.