Context:
Throughout history, people have marveled at the close relationship between Bhutan, a nation spanning 38,394 square kilometers with a population of 770,000, and its much larger neighbor, India, covering 3.28 million square kilometers with a population of 1.4 billion. The explanation for this enduring friendship is rather straightforward. Both countries view each other as equals, treating one another with the utmost respect.
Relevance:
GS2-
- India and its Neighbourhood
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
- Groupings and Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
Mains Question:
There is much evidence of the unique level of trust between the leadership of Bhutan and India that has led to a strengthening of relations. Discuss in the context of recent visits by the leaders of both nations. (15 Marks, 250 Words).
More on 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.
The Gelephu Initiative:
- The Gelephu initiative, mentioned during the King of Bhutan’s visit to India in November 2023, hints at plans for establishing a Mindfulness City in southern Bhutan. This city is envisioned as a Special Economic Zone aimed at attracting foreign investment to bolster the prosperity of Bhutan. Naturally, India, along with its business community, is anticipated to play a significant role in this endeavor.
- Moreover, the Gelephu Mindfulness City is designed with a focus on sustainability, well-being, and environmental considerations. It is anticipated that such a project will not only elevate Bhutanese income levels but also address concerns regarding its impact on Bhutan’s status as a carbon-negative country.
- Gelephu city is also expected to prioritize human well-being, with features such as yoga, leisure activities, spa treatments, and mental relaxation programs.
- The recent visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan to India serves as a follow-up to the King’s earlier visit, featuring constructive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
- Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi’s forthcoming visit to Bhutan underscores the importance of nurturing relationships, whether between individuals or nations, through ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
Other Recent Developments:
- The consecutive visits of the Prime Ministers of Bhutan and India underscore the commitment of both governments to fostering a strong relationship. This bodes well for the continued growth and development of ties between the two countries and reflects India’s Neighbourhood First policy approach.
- In the Interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been allocated a sum of Rs 22,154 crore. Demonstrating India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the largest portion of aid has been designated for Bhutan, amounting to Rs 2,068 crore compared to Rs 2,400 crore in the previous fiscal year.
- Both nations have inked an agreement ensuring a consistent and dependable supply of petroleum products from India to Bhutan. This move aims to bolster economic cooperation and growth in the hydrocarbon sector.
- Bhutan’s Food and Drug Authority and India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in ensuring food safety. This collaboration will facilitate trade by ensuring adherence to food safety standards, thereby reducing compliance costs.
- An MoU on energy efficiency and conservation has been signed, underscoring both countries’ commitment to sustainable development.
- India will support Bhutan in improving energy efficiency in households, promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances, and developing standards and labeling schemes.
- The visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister coincides with ongoing discussions between Bhutan and China to resolve their border dispute, particularly in the Doklam region, with implications for regional security.
- In August 2023, both countries agreed on a plan to address the disagreement, culminating in the formal signing of the agreement in October 2021. This agreement follows a conflict between India and China in Doklam in 2017, sparked by China’s attempt to construct a road in the area.
- Hydropower collaboration stands as the cornerstone of India’s relationship with Bhutan. Over the years, numerous joint hydroelectric projects have been successfully completed and inaugurated by the respective governments, supplying clean energy to India while generating substantial revenue for Thimphu. This revenue influx has propelled Bhutan out of the Least Developed Country status.
- Despite delays, the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project is poised for completion in 2024, serving as another testament to the efficacy of government-to-government cooperation in the hydroelectric sector.
- In recent times, a novel joint venture model was introduced for hydroelectric project construction between India and Bhutan. However, none of the proposed five projects has gained significant traction.
- This suggests a need to recognize the flaws in this new model and return to the drawing board to devise a more practical and potentially successful approach for future hydroelectric ventures.
- India has also played a crucial role as a major development partner to Bhutan, contributing ₹5,000 crore to its recently concluded 12th Five Year Plan.
- A key aspect of this development assistance is India’s emphasis on aligning projects with the priorities of the Bhutanese people, ensuring that initiatives directly benefit them.
- This collaborative and consultative approach is fundamental to the successful partnership for prosperity between New Delhi and Thimphu, and it is imperative that this model persists in the future.
Way Forward:
- In the forthcoming years, India can play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Gelephu Mindfulness City by considering the following measures:
- Initiate direct flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu to facilitate easier access.
- Offer technological expertise and knowledge in constructing essential infrastructure to Bhutan, with the private sector taking a leading role in implementation.
- Promote Gelephu as a destination for high-end Indian tourists and business professionals, while maintaining controlled visitor numbers.
- Encourage Indian enterprises to establish operations within the city, fostering economic growth and collaboration.
Conclusion:
Given Gelephu’s proximity to remote regions of West Bengal and Assam, the prosperity of the Mindfulness City is anticipated to have positive socio-economic effects in these areas as well. This collaborative endeavor between India and Bhutan will serve as yet another example of mutually beneficial cooperation.
