India-Bhutan relations

Source-This post on India-Bhutan relations has been created based on the article “Ties that epitomize India’s neighborhood first policy” published in “The Hindu” on 19 March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – International relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations

Context– The Prime Minister of Bhutan has recently visited India and there were excellent discussions with Prime Minister as well as the President of India. This week, Mr. Modi is to pay a return visit to Bhutan. India-Bhutan relations UPSC

What is India’s Neighbourhood First Policy?

Under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbors.

How does relationship with Bhutan epitomize India’s neighborhood first policy?

1) Respect for Bhutan’s unique cultural practice-India has always respected Bhutanese identity, Bhutan’s unique religious practices and its desire to be economically prosperous while retaining its own way of life. India has never posed any threat to Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

2) The Gelephu project-India, including its business entities, is going to play a significant role in development of Gelephu Mindfulness City. This project will lead to higher income for the people of Bhutan without compromising on its commitment to the principle of environmental sustainability.

Read more- Gelephu Mindfulness City project: Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit

3) Hydropower Cooperation-This is the bedrock of India’s relations with Bhutan. Several cooperative hydro projects have been commissioned by the two governments. It supplies clean electricity to India and a source of sustainable revenue for Bhutan which has helped it to come out of the Least Developed Country status.

4) Developmental aid-India has been a major development assistance partner to Bhutan and contributed ₹5,000 crore to its 12th Five Year Plan. India does not merely undertake projects which are of benefit to it but also pays a lot of attention to the priorities of the Bhutanese people.

What should be the way forward?

1) India must contribute to the success of the Gelephu Mindfulness City by commencing direct flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu.

2) India can provide technology and knowledge in building hard infrastructure to Bhutan (the private sector will take the lead)

3) India can encourage high-end Indian tourists and business persons to visit Gelephu in controlled numbers.

4) India can encourage its businesses to set up shop there.

Gelephu is next to remote parts of West Bengal and Assam and the success of the Mindfulness City will have positive socio-economic spillovers for these geographies as well.

Question for practice

India-Bhutan relationship demonstrate India’s commitment to its neighborhood policy. Comment?