Diljit Dosanjh

India and Bhutan share a long-standing relationship, marked by deep cultural ties, historical cooperation, and mutual respect. Over the years, the two countries have built a strong foundation based on trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for regional stability and development. This relationship is unique in South Asia, characterized by a high degree of warmth and understanding that has evolved steadily over time. This essay explores the historical, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of India-Bhutan relations, with a particular focus on developments from the early 20th century to the present.

1. Historical Context

The history of India-Bhutan relations dates back centuries, with cultural and religious exchanges forming the bedrock of early interactions. Bhutan, a predominantly Buddhist nation, shares religious ties with India, particularly through the teachings of Buddhism that spread from India to Bhutan around the 7th century. Indian spiritual figures, such as Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), are revered in Bhutan for introducing Buddhism to the Himalayan region.

During the British colonial period in India, Bhutan's relationship with British India was defined by the Treaty of Sinchula in 1865. This treaty ended hostilities between the British and Bhutan, resulting in the cession of some Bhutanese territory to the British in exchange for an annual subsidy. The British maintained friendly relations with Bhutan, recognizing its importance as a buffer state between India and China.

With India's independence in 1947, Bhutan was one of the first countries to acknowledge India's sovereignty. The subsequent Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1949, formalized the bilateral relationship, laying the foundation for future cooperation. This treaty remains a cornerstone of India-Bhutan relations to this day, with India committing to respect Bhutan's sovereignty and independence, while Bhutan agreed to consult India on its foreign policy.

2. The Treaty of Friendship (1949)

The 1949 Treaty of Friendship is a pivotal document in India-Bhutan relations. It ensured that the two countries would remain close partners, with Bhutan agreeing to be guided by India in its foreign affairs. This treaty also underscored mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, establishing a framework for peaceful and cooperative relations. Importantly, the treaty guaranteed Bhutan's autonomy in internal matters, while positioning India as a key partner in Bhutan's defense and external affairs.

The clause that required Bhutan to consult India on foreign policy matters was seen as a strategic necessity in the post-colonial world, where newly independent nations were navigating complex geopolitical realities. For Bhutan, this provision was more about maintaining security than surrendering sovereignty, especially given its geographic proximity to China. Over time, as Bhutan became more confident in its international engagements, India and Bhutan revised their relations to allow for greater Bhutanese independence in foreign policy, leading to a review of the 1949 Treaty in 2007.

3. Revision of the Treaty in 2007

In 2007, the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was revised to reflect the changing dynamics of the region and Bhutan's growing international presence. The revision removed the clause that required Bhutan to be guided by India in its foreign policy. This was a significant moment in bilateral relations, signaling India's respect for Bhutan's sovereignty and maturity as a nation on the global stage.

The updated treaty emphasized mutual trust, equality, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, while reaffirming India's commitment to Bhutan's security. The revised treaty reflected the evolving nature of India-Bhutan relations, moving towards a more balanced partnership. This was particularly important as Bhutan embarked on its journey toward democratization, with India supporting Bhutan’s political reforms.

4. Political Relations and Democratization

Bhutan's transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 2008 was a landmark event in the country's history. India played a supportive role in this transition, providing assistance in drafting Bhutan's Constitution and sharing its own experiences with democratic governance. The first democratic elections in Bhutan in 2008 were peaceful and successful, with Indian observers present to ensure fairness and transparency.

India has continued to engage with Bhutan’s democratic institutions, strengthening parliamentary and people-to-people ties through exchanges and capacity-building initiatives. The political leadership in both countries has maintained close ties, with regular high-level visits reinforcing the importance of the bilateral relationship. Indian Prime Ministers, including Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, have visited Bhutan, underscoring India's commitment to its neighbor’s stability and prosperity.

5. Economic Cooperation

One of the defining features of India-Bhutan relations is their robust economic partnership. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, accounting for over 80% of Bhutan’s trade. Bhutan exports hydroelectricity, timber, and agricultural products to India, while importing a wide range of goods and services. The Indian rupee is accepted as legal tender in Bhutan, reflecting the deep economic interdependence between the two countries.

Hydropower cooperation is the cornerstone of India-Bhutan economic relations. Bhutan has vast hydropower potential, and India has provided technical and financial support for the development of this sector. The first major hydropower project, Chukha, was commissioned in the 1980s with Indian assistance. Since then, several other projects have been completed, including the Tala, Kurichhu, and Punatsangchhu projects. These projects not only generate revenue for Bhutan but also provide clean energy to India, enhancing energy security for both countries.

In recent years, the two countries have sought to diversify their economic engagement beyond hydropower. India has been involved in Bhutan’s development planning, providing grants, loans, and technical assistance for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and rural development. The Indian government has contributed significantly to Bhutan's Five-Year Plans, ensuring a steady flow of resources for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.

6. Cultural Ties

Cultural ties between India and Bhutan are deep-rooted, shaped by shared religious traditions, linguistic connections, and historical exchanges. Buddhism plays a central role in this cultural bond, with India being the birthplace of Buddhism and Bhutan a stronghold of the religion in the Himalayas. Pilgrimages to Indian Buddhist sites, such as Bodh Gaya, are common for Bhutanese monks and laypeople.

Indian art, music, and cinema also enjoy popularity in Bhutan. Bollywood films are widely watched, and many Bhutanese students choose to study in Indian universities, further strengthening cultural connections. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and other cultural institutions actively promote exchanges in arts, literature, and academia, ensuring that the cultural affinity between the two nations continues to grow.

The Bhutanese monarchy has also been instrumental in fostering strong cultural ties with India. King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and his successor, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, have both emphasized the importance of maintaining close relations with India. Their visits to India have been highly symbolic, reinforcing the close personal ties between the royal families of Bhutan and India's political leadership.

7. Security and Strategic Cooperation

India’s role in Bhutan’s security has been a critical component of the bilateral relationship. Bhutan is strategically located between India and China, making it a key player in the regional security architecture. The Doklam standoff in 2017, involving Chinese and Indian troops in a disputed area close to Bhutan, highlighted Bhutan’s strategic importance to India. Although Bhutan maintains diplomatic ties with China, it has consistently relied on India for defense and security-related matters.

India provides training and equipment to Bhutanese security forces and has helped in modernizing the Royal Bhutan Army. The two countries regularly hold joint military exercises, such as "Mitra Shakti," which enhance their interoperability and defense cooperation. The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), stationed in Bhutan, plays a key role in training Bhutanese forces.

India has also been instrumental in securing Bhutan’s borders and maintaining peace in the region. The two countries cooperate closely on intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, and counter-insurgency operations. Bhutan, for its part, has acted decisively to prevent its territory from being used by insurgent groups operating in India’s northeastern states.

8. Environmental Cooperation

Bhutan is globally renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation, and India has been a strong partner in supporting Bhutan’s environmental goals. Bhutan is the only country in the world that is carbon negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. India has collaborated with Bhutan on several environmental initiatives, including forest conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development.

Hydropower development, although economically beneficial, has also raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding the impact of large dams on ecosystems and communities. Both India and Bhutan are working to ensure that hydropower projects are implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner, balancing economic growth with ecological preservation.

9. Challenges and Future Prospects

While India-Bhutan relations remain strong, there are challenges that need to be addressed to sustain the partnership. One of the primary challenges is managing the growing influence of China in the region. Bhutan and China have been engaged in boundary negotiations for several decades, and any future agreement on the border could have implications for India-Bhutan relations. India has expressed concerns about China’s infrastructure development along the disputed border areas, particularly in Doklam.

Additionally, as Bhutan continues to diversify its international partnerships, India will need to ensure that it remains Bhutan’s most trusted and reliable partner. Economic diversification, particularly in trade and investment, will be crucial for sustaining the bilateral relationship. Both countries are exploring new areas of cooperation, such as information technology, education, and healthcare, which could provide fresh momentum to the partnership.

10. Conclusion

India and Bhutan share a special relationship that is deeply rooted in history, culture, and mutual respect. The relationship has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing political and economic realities of the region. From the Treaty of Friendship in 1949 to the revision of the treaty in 2007, India and Bhutan have consistently worked to strengthen their ties while respecting each other's sovereignty and independence.

The economic partnership, particularly in hydropower, has been a cornerstone of the relationship, providing a strong foundation for future growth. Political cooperation, cultural exchanges, and security collaboration further cement the bond between the two countries.

As the world and the region continue to evolve, India and Bhutan will need to navigate new challenges and opportunities. However, the enduring friendship between the two nations, built on trust and shared values, will ensure that the India-Bhutan relationship remains a model for peaceful and cooperative international relations in the 21st century.