Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – India and its neighbourhood – International relations
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– India – Bhutan
– Neighbourhood First policy
– Gujaral Doctrine
Context
The bilateral relationship between Bhutan and India has been characterized by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation for over five decades.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 20th March 2024
Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy
Over the past five decades, the relationship between Bhutan and India has blossomed into a remarkable partnership characterized by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. Despite vast differences in size and population, the two nations have cultivated a close bond based on equality and shared interests.
History of India Bhutan Relations
India and Bhutan share unique bilateral relations based on mutual trust, goodwill and understanding.
- 1865- Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (Treaty of Sinchula) was signed between British India and Bhutan. (It was an Open Border agreement which allowed free passage of goods and people through each other’s territories)
- Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was renewed in 2007 serves as the basic framework.
- 2003- Indian Army + Royal Bhutanese Army launched Operation All Clear to remove all anti Indian elements(ULFA, NDFB, etc) along the border.
Significance of India Bhutan relations
Bhutan holds a pivotal position in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Economic Significance:
- Trade Partnership: India stands as Bhutan’s primary trading partner and serves as a crucial destination for Indian exports.
- Hydropower Revenue: Bhutan’s hydropower potential serves as a substantial source of income, and India has played a pivotal role in aiding Bhutan’s hydropower development endeavors.
- Project Tied Assistance (PTA) exemplifies India’s commitment to infrastructure development, contributing to Bhutan’s overall well-being.
- Cultural Relevance:
- Shared Buddhist Heritage: Both Bhutan and India share deep-rooted cultural ties, primarily stemming from their shared Buddhist heritage.
- Educational Exchange: India has actively supported Bhutan in preserving its cultural legacy, and a significant number of Bhutanese students pursue higher education in India.
- Initiatives like the Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarship strengthen educational and cultural linkages, fostering mutual understanding.
- Environmental Importance:
- Carbon-Neutral Commitment: Bhutan has committed to maintaining carbon neutrality, distinguishing itself globally, and India has been a crucial ally in assisting Bhutan to achieve this ambitious goal.
- Environmental Assistance: India’s support extends to various environmental initiatives in Bhutan, including renewable energy projects, forest conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
- Equal Partnership and Mutual Respect
- Both nations regard each other as equals, respecting each other’s sovereignty, identity, and unique cultural practices.
- India has shown continuous respect for Bhutan’s identity, religious practices, and economic aspirations, fostering a strong bond of trust over the past 50 years.
- The BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity, trade, and cooperation. It involves collaborative efforts to improve road, rail, and energy connectivity within the region.
- Continuous Dialogue and Cooperation
- Regular high-level visits between leaders of India and Bhutan demonstrate the commitment to nurturing the relationship.
| The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project The Gelephu Mindfulness City is a visionary project in Bhutan, aiming to be the world’s first carbon-negative urban area. It’s designed with principles of mindfulness, sustainability, and harmony in mind. India expected to play a significant role in the project, including its business entities. The project aims to raise Bhutan’s income levels while addressing environmental concerns and maintaining Bhutan’s status as a carbon-negative country. Emphasis on human well-being through yoga, spa therapies, and mental relaxation channels. |
Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations
- Chinese Influence and Border Disputes:
- China’s growing influence poses challenges for India-Bhutan relations, given Bhutan’s strategic location.
- Ongoing border disputes, notably in the Doklam region, require delicate diplomacy for resolution.
- Hydropower Projects and Concerns:
- While India has supported Bhutan’s hydropower sector, concerns over environmental impacts and displacement of communities arise.
- Delay in execution of projects also reduces impact of India’s commitments.
- Trade imbalance
- Concerns have emerged in Bhutan due to the trade imbalance, where imports from India exceed Bhutan’s exports.
- Bhutan is seeking expanded access to the Indian market for its products as a means to address the trade deficit.
Way Forward
- Diplomatic Dialogue and Conflict Resolution:
- Foster ongoing diplomatic talks to address border disputes and concerns regarding Chinese influence.
- Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainable Development:
- Collaborate on comprehensive environmental assessments for hydropower projects to ensure sustainability.
- Diversification of Economic Partnerships:
- Encourage Bhutan to diversify its economic partnerships, reducing dependence on any single country.
- Regional Cooperation:
- Promote regional cooperation within organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC for broader collaboration.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development:
- Invest in capacity building in Bhutan to diversify its economy beyond hydropower.
- Future Measures for Gelephu Mindfulness City
- Commence direct flights between major Indian cities like Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu to facilitate connectivity.
- Offer technology and expertise in building hard infrastructure, with the private sector taking the lead.
- Encourage high-end Indian tourists and businesses to visit Gelephu in controlled numbers.
- Promote Indian businesses to establish presence in the city, fostering socio-economic benefits for neighbouring regions like West Bengal and Assam.
Conclusion
The enduring friendship between Bhutan and India, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, continues to thrive as both nations strive for shared prosperity and well-being. Through collaborative efforts in hydropower cooperation, developmental assistance, and the envisioned Gelephu Mindfulness City, India reaffirms its commitment to supporting Bhutan’s aspirations while fostering regional growth and stability.
Related Topics
The BBIN Connectivity Initiative
The BBIN Initiative, or Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Initiative, is a subregional cooperation framework aimed at enhancing connectivity between these four South Asian nations.
- Focus on Connectivity: The primary objective of BBIN is to foster seamless movement of people and goods across borders.
- This encompasses enhancing physical infrastructure like roads, railways, and waterways, as well as streamlining trade policies and regulations.
- The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, will allow vehicles registered in member countries to travel across borders.
- Addressing Regional Challenges: BBIN emerged partly due to roadblocks in achieving broader regional cooperation through SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
- By focusing on a smaller group with shared interests, BBIN aims to overcome these hurdles and facilitate deeper integration.
References
MEA- Foreign Relations – India-Bhutan
Practice Question
Analyse the India-Bhutan relationship, highlighting its evolution over the past five decades. [150 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Start by providing a brief overview of the India-Bhutan relationship, highlighting its deep-rooted historical, cultural, and geographical ties.
Body:
- Discuss the evolution of the relationship over the past five decades. Mention key milestones such as the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1949, the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1968, and the revision of the treaty.
- Highlight the strategic considerations and critical factors that constrain and limit India’s leverage on Bhutan.
- Discuss the shifting Bhutanese perceptions and geopolitical gambit. Mention how Bhutan has repeatedly made efforts to assert its independent identity and expressed the desire to reduce its dependence on India.
Conclusion:
- Conclude by summarizing the current state of the relationship and its significance for both countries.
- Discuss the challenges and opportunities for the future of the India-Bhutan relationship.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!