This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “India-Bhutan”. This topic has relevance in the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.

 INDIA-BHUTAN

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “India-Bhutan”. This topic has relevance in

the International Relations section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

About India-Bhutan Relations?

For Mains:

GS 2: International Relations

Significance of Bhutan for India:

Why in the news?

Bhutan’s King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has arrived in New Delhi amidst critical border

discussions with China, sparking some apprehension in the Indian capital.

Border Dynamics:

 India and Bhutan share a 649-km-long border, with a significant 267-km boundary adjacent to

Assam, India.

India-Bhutan Diplomatic Relations:

 Diplomatic relations were formalized in 1968 when India appointed a resident representative in

Thimphu, taking over the role previously managed by the Political Officer in Sikkim.

 The cornerstone of their bilateral ties is the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, updated

in 2007 during the visit of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India.

Economic Relations:

 India stands as Bhutan’s primary trading partner and export destination.

 Bhutan leverages its hydropower potential for substantial revenue, with India’s active support in

developing its hydropower projects.

 India offers financial assistance for Bhutan’s development projects.

Significance of Bhutan for India:

 Bhutan holds strategic importance for India due to its location between India and China, serving

as a buffer state that aligns with India’s security interests.

 India has played a pivotal role in preserving Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 Assistance from India has bolstered Bhutan’s defense, infrastructure, and communication

capabilities, reinforcing its territorial integrity.

 In the 2017 Doklam standoff, Bhutan facilitated Indian troops’ entry into its territory to counter

Chinese incursions, highlighting Bhutan’s strategic significance for India.

Challenges and Concerns:

 China’s Growing Influence: The expanding presence of China in Bhutan, especially along the

disputed Bhutan-China border, is a matter of concern for India. China’s economic and military

influence in the region poses challenges to India’s strategic interests in Bhutan.

 Border Disputes: While the India-Bhutan border has generally been peaceful, there have been

sporadic instances of border incursions by Chinese forces. The Doklam standoff in 2017, a tri-

junction issue involving India, China, and Bhutan, raised tensions. Escalation of such disputes has

the potential to strain India-Bhutan relations.

Q.1 Which of the following Indian states shares the longest border with Bhutan?

1. Assam

2. Arunachal Pradesh

3. Sikkim

4. Tripura

ANSWER: A

Q.2 Which of the following statements about India-Bhutan diplomatic relations is correct?

1. Diplomatic relations were established before Indian Independence.

2. Relations formalized in 1968 with the appointment of a resident representative in Thimphu.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: B

Q.3 Discuss the strategic importance of India-Bhutan relations and their impact on regional

stability. Analyze the recent developments and challenges in these relations, particularly in the

context of China.