Hindu Editorial Analysis : 8-November-2023

Recently, Bhutan’s 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions on bilateral cooperation, focusing on various areas of mutual interest and regional concerns.

India-Bhutan Bilateral Relations

Bhutan’s Strategic Location:

  • Bhutan shares borders with four Indian states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim, serving as a buffer between India and China, covering a length of 699 km.

Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation:

  • The India-Bhutan bilateral relations are rooted in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, emphasizing peace and non-interference in internal affairs.
  • Revised in 2007, the treaty allows India to guide Bhutan’s foreign policy and close consultation on foreign and defense matters.

Diplomatic Relations and Institutional Mechanisms:

  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1968, leading to numerous institutional mechanisms covering security, border management, trade, transit, hydro-power, and development cooperation.

Hydroelectric Projects and Trade:

  • India has supported Bhutan’s energy sector by constructing hydroelectric projects, including Chukha, Kurichhu, and Tala HEPs, with ongoing projects like Mangdechhu, Punatsangchhu-1, and Punatsangchhu-2.
  • India-Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement 1972 governs trade, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner.
Recent Developments in Bilateral Cooperation

Connectivity Projects:

  • India and Bhutan plan a 58 km cross-border rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar and explore an 18 km rail link between Samtse and Banarhat.
  • Bhutan’s international airport at Gelephu, part of the Sarpang district Special Economic Zone, aligns with rail and air connectivity initiatives.

Trade and Upgradation of Checkpoints:

  • Bhutanese trade items can be transported from Haldibari to Chilahati in Bangladesh, fostering regional trade.
  • Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing will facilitate third-country nationals, enhancing connectivity and tourism.
Significance of Bilateral Cooperation

Holistic Development and Opportunities for Bhutan:

  • Infrastructure and connectivity focus signifies regional initiatives, transforming the development landscape in Bhutan, West Bengal, northeastern states, and northern Bangladesh.
  • Eased travel, enhanced exchanges, and improved connectivity bolster Bhutanese opportunities for trade, tourism, and economic growth.

Creation of Sub-regional Market and Bridging Economic Gaps:

  • Preferential Trade Agreement with Bangladesh boosts Bhutanese exports, creating markets for local produce and benefiting Indian and Bangladeshi producers.
  • India’s energy exchange initiatives bridge economic gaps, supporting the northeast’s development and fostering regional growth.
Challenges and Concerns

Threat of Swapping Doklam and Brain Drain:

  • Concerns exist about Bhutan-China cooperation leading to territorial swaps, posing challenges for India’s security.
  • Bhutan faces brain drain due to youth unemployment, necessitating attention to retain talent, benefiting both nations.

Negative Sentiments and Geopolitical Influences:

  • Negative sentiments in Bhutan regarding India’s influence are fueled by misinformation on social media.
  • China’s efforts through trade, modern cities, and scholarships pose challenges, requiring strategic diplomacy.
Why In News

Recently, Bhutan’s 5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and PM Modi held fruitful discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing pressing regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to fostering strong diplomatic ties between their nations.

MCQs about Fostering Stronger India-Bhutan Relations

  1. What is the primary focus of the India-Bhutan bilateral discussions?
    A. Cultural exchange
    B. Economic cooperation and connectivity
    C. Military alliances
    D. Environmental conservation
    Correct Answer: B. Economic cooperation and connectivity
    Explanation: The essay highlights discussions between India and Bhutan on bilateral cooperation, infrastructure, and connectivity initiatives, indicating a focus on economic collaboration and connectivity.
  2. Which of the following countries is NOT mentioned as a bordering state to Bhutan?
    A. Nepal
    B. Assam
    C. Arunachal Pradesh
    D. Sikkim
    Correct Answer: A. Nepal
    Explanation: The essay mentions Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim as the Indian states sharing borders with Bhutan.
  3. What is the significance of the Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing agreement between India and Bhutan?
    A. Enhancing military cooperation
    B. Facilitating third-country nationals for improved connectivity and tourism
    C. Reducing trade barriers
    D. Strengthening cultural exchanges
    Correct Answer: B. Facilitating third-country nationals for improved connectivity and tourism
    Explanation: The Darranga-Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing facilitates third-country nationals, enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.
  4. How does India plan to bridge the economic gap with the northeastern states?
    A. Through education reforms
    B. By encouraging tourism
    C. Energy exchange initiatives and regional growth
    D. Strengthening agricultural practices
    Correct Answer: C. Energy exchange initiatives and regional growth
    Explanation: India’s energy exchange initiatives, bringing more Bhutanese and Nepali hydropower suppliers online, fostering regional growth and bridging economic gaps in the northeastern states.

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