On India-Bhutan Relations – Closer together
Red Book
Red Book

Interview Guidance Program (IGP) for UPSC CSE 2024, Registrations Open Click Here to know more and registration

Source: The post on India-Bhutan relations is based on the article “Closer together – India and Bhutan can change the development story of the region” published in The Hindu on 8th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighbourhood – relations.

News: This article discusses the outcomes of the recent meeting of India’s Prime Minister and Bhutan’s King Wangchuck.

A detailed article on India-Bhutan relations can be read here.

What are the various development initiatives being planned by India and Bhutan?

Rail Links: Discussions are ongoing for establishing rail connections between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan; and between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan).

Infrastructure Upgrades: Checkpoints along the India-Bhutan border are being upgraded to facilitate easier trade and movement.

Special Economic Zone: Bhutan plans to set up a Special Economic Zone at Bhutan’s southern border with Assam to drive growth and investment.

Airport Development: A new airport at Gelephu is proposed to increase accessibility and promote economic development.

Energy Integration: An ‘energy exchange’ is planned to share hydropower resources between Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, promoting intra-regional growth.

What are the implications of these initiatives?

Regional Development: The infrastructure projects like rail links could transform the economies of West Bengal, Bhutan’s southern and eastern districts, and northern Bangladesh.

Economic Diversification: Bhutan’s reliance on hydropower and tourism might reduce with the proposed Special Economic Zone and new trade routes.

Reduced Emigration: Enhanced job opportunities from these initiatives could stem the outflow of Bhutan’s educated youth and professionals.

Increased Exports: The Preferential Trade Agreement with Bangladesh may raise the export of Bhutanese goods.

Energy Distribution: The energy exchange program aims to distribute Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower across the region, increasing revenues and energy security.

Strategic Stability: The projects serve as a strategic counter to China’s influence and help secure India’s northeastern corridor, contributing to regional stability.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential impact of the recent development initiatives agreed upon by India and Bhutan on bilateral relations between the two countries.


Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation Syllabus and Materials For Aspirants

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community