CONTENT

1. India-Bhutan Ties

India-Bhutan Ties

Context:

Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay’s recent visit to India highlighted the strong diplomatic relations and cooperation between Bhutan and India.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the Bilateral Meeting between India and Bhutan
2. India-Bhutan Ties
3. Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations

Key Highlights of the Bilateral Meeting between India and Bhutan

Showcasing Green Hydrogen Initiatives

• India’s Innovation: India displayed a hydrogen-fueled bus, demonstrating significant strides in sustainable mobility and green hydrogen technology.
• Sustainable Mobility Promotion: This showcase underlines India’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and positions the nation as a pioneer in green hydrogen production.

Bilateral Cooperation in Energy

• Expanding Partnerships: Discussions aimed to deepen bilateral relations, especially in the energy sector, were a focal point of the meeting.
• Bhutan’s Interest: Bhutan expressed enthusiasm for adopting green hydrogen mobility solutions, reinforcing its dedication to environmental sustainability and clean energy transition.

Mutual Commitment to Sustainability

• Collaborative Prospects: Both nations expressed a willingness to collaborate on promoting cleaner and greener energy alternatives.
• Shared Vision for Sustainability: The meeting underscored a shared commitment to sustainable development, with Bhutan poised as an integral partner in India’s green energy transition initiatives.

India-Bhutan Ties:

• They have come to understand that size alone does not determine the strength of relations between two independent nations.
• Consequently, India has consistently honored Bhutanese identity, respected its distinct religious practices, and supported its economic aspirations while preserving its unique way of life.
• In return, Bhutan has recognized that its sovereignty and identity are not threatened from its southern border and has looked to India for support in its growth and development.
• India has met these expectations, fostering a deep level of trust between the leadership of both nations over the decades, a trust that has been evident in recent times.

Significance of Bhutan for India:

• Strategic Buffer State: Bhutan’s location between India and China serves as a strategic buffer state, enhancing India’s security interests.
• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: India’s assistance in defense, infrastructure, and communication has contributed to maintaining Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Border Infrastructure Development: India’s support in building border infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has strengthened Bhutan’s defense capabilities and ensured territorial integrity.
• Doklam Standoff Support: During the Doklam standoff with China in 2017, Bhutan played a crucial role by allowing Indian troops to enter its territory to resist Chinese incursions.
• Trading Partner: India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and primary export destination.
• Hydropower Development: Bhutan’s hydropower potential is a significant revenue source, with India’s assistance in developing hydropower projects.
• Financial Assistance: India provides financial assistance for Bhutan’s development projects.
• Cultural Ties: Strong cultural ties exist due to shared Buddhist traditions, with India helping preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage, and Bhutanese students studying in India.
• Environmental Stewardship: Bhutan’s commitment to being carbon-neutral aligns with India’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability. India supports Bhutan in renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism, contributing to Bhutan’s carbon-neutral goals.

Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations:

China’s Increasing Presence:

• China’s growing economic and military influence in Bhutan, particularly along the disputed border, poses a challenge to India’s strategic interests in Bhutan.

Border Incursions:

• Incidents of border incursions by Chinese forces along the India-Bhutan border have raised concerns.
• The Doklam standoff in 2017 was a significant flashpoint that could strain India-Bhutan relations if similar disputes escalate.

Hydropower Projects Concerns:

• While India has been a major partner in Bhutan’s hydropower sector, there have been concerns in Bhutan regarding the terms of some hydropower projects, seen as too favorable to India.
• Public opposition in Bhutan to Indian involvement in the sector has arisen.

Trade Imbalance:

• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, but Bhutan faces a trade imbalance, importing more from India than it exports.
• Bhutan seeks greater access to the Indian market to reduce the trade deficit.