QUES . Discuss the geopolitical impact of the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan.
HINTS:
India and Bhutan share a unique and time tested bilateral relationship, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. India remains influential over Bhutan’s foreign policy, defence and commerce.
Geopolitical impact of the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan
Bhutan is a neighboring country of India and serves as a buffer state between India and China (Tibet).
Bhutan shares a land border of 699 km with India and the following Indian states share a border with Bhutan:
(a) Sikkim is in the western part of Bhutan and it shares 32 km of land border.
(b) West Bengal and Assam are in the southern part of Bhutan and it shares a land border of 113 km and 267 km respectively.
(c) Arunachal Pradesh is the eastern part of Bhutan and it shares 217 km of land border.
India is surrounded by Bhutan on three sides and China is on the north.
There is peaceful border management between India and Bhutan while there is a dispute between Bhutan and China on the border. Therefore Bhutan feels insecure with China, one of the reasons for its strong friendship with India.
Bhutan’s cooperation with India is much needed as this is necessary for the security of the northeastern states of India.
Bhutan also played a major role in curbing anti-India activities in the northeastern states.
Politically stable Bhutan is much needed to stop anti-India activities and anti-India extremist groups.
New geopolitical relations emerging between India and Bhutan
China claims its rights over Pasmalung and Jakarlung Valley (which is located in the northern part of Bhutan).
China has also claimed a large part of the Doklam plateau. The Doklam standoff took place in 2017 between India and Bhutan.
In June 2020, China claimed the eastern border of Bhutan as a disputed territory and objected to the funding of the Sakteng Forest from the UNDP-led Global Environment Facility.
The biggest question mark on the relations between India and Bhutan is how to deal with China. China has proposed a package solution (land swap) for Bhutan, which has also increased India’s concern.
At present, china is interfering repeatedly in Bhutan, which also threatens India’s security with India-Bhutan relations. China’s role is detectable as it has begun to intervene in Bhutan’s development process with an intention to weaken Indian influence. In addition, both the countries want to establish a good image in the eye of Bhutan.
What is needed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan?
India should refrain from interfering in Bhutan’s internal affairs.
The delay in hydropower construction by Indian companies increases the interest of Bhutan’s debt, this also needs to be resolved.
Both the countries should seek to cooperate in new dimensions of relations like space, pharma, and information technology.
Bhutan and India are natural partners and the relationship between them have multidimensional. Bhutan is not only geographically close to India but also has shared history, culture, and spiritual traditions.
