India and Bhutan have historically maintained strong cultural and religious connections, especially through the influence of Buddhism. Following India's independence, their bilateral relationship was solidified through a treaty in which India committed to protecting Bhutan's sovereignty, while Bhutan agreed to seek India's counsel on matters of defense and foreign policy. Both the countries share strong mutual trust and friendship. Lets know about this relationship.
Relations of India and Bhutan
India has emerged as Bhutan's principal partner in trade and development, extending financial assistance for projects related to hydropower, infrastructure, and education. Given its strategic position between India and China, Bhutan possesses considerable geopolitical significance, with India actively contributing to Bhutan's territorial security. India has been instrumental in Bhutan's modernization efforts by providing educational scholarships and training initiatives for Bhutanese officials.
India has a rich history of military collaboration with Bhutan, playing a crucial role in the establishment of its armed forces through the provision of weapons and training. The defense partnership between the two nations remains robust, with India consistently supplying military equipment and training to Bhutan. Traditionally, Bhutan adhered to an isolationist stance; however, India was instrumental in facilitating Bhutan's gradual integration into the global community, especially after 1950. India continues to be Bhutan's foremost development partner, offering substantial financial and technical assistance, as highlighted by significant investments in Bhutan's socio-economic development within India's 12th Five Year Plan (2018–2023).
The 2017 standoff at Doklam between China and India, located near Bhutan's border, highlighted Bhutan's critical role in India's security framework. In response to Chinese territorial advances, India took action to assist Bhutan in safeguarding its sovereignty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India facilitated the distribution of vaccines to Bhutan through its Vaccine Maitri initiative, which allowed Bhutan to implement one of the swiftest vaccination campaigns globally.
Trade and connectivity between the two nations have been enhanced through agreements such as the Bhutan-India Trade Agreement, with India also playing a significant role in the development of Bhutan's road and digital infrastructure to improve regional connectivity.
Both countries work together on sustainable development and environmental conservation, concentrating on forest management, addressing climate change, and protecting biodiversity in the Himalayan region.
High-level diplomatic engagements, including visits from Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, and various Indian officials, have contributed to the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Role of China - the attention seeker
The Doklam Plateau is a strategically significant area located at the intersection of China, India, and Bhutan. While Bhutan asserts ownership of this territory, China contends that it falls within its borders. In 2017, a standoff occurred between Chinese and Indian forces when China attempted to construct a road in this region, escalating tensions as India supported Bhutan in the dispute.
Additionally, China has laid claim to the Pasternak and Jakarlung Valleys, which are adjacent to Bhutan's northern frontier. Bhutan and China have engaged in discussions regarding these territories; however, a formal agreement has yet to be reached.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in eastern Bhutan near the border with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, has been claimed by China. This assertion is unexpected, as the area had not previously been a point of contention between Bhutan and China. The claim is believed to stem from China's broader ambition to assert its territorial influence over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as "South Tibet." This situation sparked controversy, particularly in 2020, when China opposed a funding application for Bhutan's sanctuary during a UN Development Program meeting, asserting that the sanctuary lies within its claimed territory.
China's interest in Bhutan's territory is driven by its desire to enhance its military capabilities and geopolitical influence in the region. Bhutan's strategic position in the eastern Himalayas, situated between China and India, is vital for any assessment of regional security. Should China succeed in acquiring parts of Bhutanese land, particularly the Doklam Plateau, it would gain improved control over the Chumbi Valley, a narrow corridor leading into the triangular region. This area is in close proximity to the "Chicken's Neck" corridor, which connects mainland India to its northeastern states. By seizing Bhutanese territory in this region, China aims to secure strategic advantages over India.
Since the 1980s, Bhutan and China have engaged in over twenty rounds of discussions regarding their boundary. The primary focus of these negotiations has been on the contested areas located in Bhutan's northwest and northern regions. In some instances, China has suggested a "package deal," offering to relinquish claims to certain territories in return for control over other strategically important regions. Recently, the pace of these negotiations has accelerated, particularly following the Doklam impasse in 2017. Despite the evident willingness from both parties to settle the disputes, Bhutan remains cautious due to its strong relationship with India and the strategic implications of conceding territory to China.
Therefore, it is evident that China seeks to attract attention by instigating disputes or fabricating hypothetical conflicts, subsequently asserting its position through displays of military strength. Its actions in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh are unwarranted and lack justification; it resembles a situation where one roommate engages in behavior that unnecessarily disrupts the harmony of the living arrangement. Numerous experts have suggested that China aims to normalize its conduct in the global consciousness, implying that such behavior is to be accepted. Conversely, nations should vocally condemn the inappropriate actions exhibited by China, not only in the Himalayas but in other parts of world as well.
Furthermore, China was responsible for the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID), which resulted in the loss of millions of innocent lives, yet it has failed to acknowledge its role. Additionally, it is contributing to the emergence of new disputes that did not previously exist and is the leading source of carbon emissions worldwide.
Hence it can be said that India Bhutan are the natural partners, both the countries have strong cultural connect and people to people ties, while China seeks to get attention in the issues it does not have anything to do with.
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