 "India's Bhutan policy: Balancing regional allies in the Dragon's shadow")
Bhutan is perhaps one of the most important allies that India has in its neighbourhood. Time has proven its relationship with India. However, recent times have witnessed changing dynamics in the Himalayan kingdom’s polity.
The dissonance in Bhutan can also be attributed to a considerable extent to India’s big brotherly attitude.
However, corrective and course-correction measures that are being undertaken by India to implement its Neighbourhood First policy are laudable.
Bangladesh has been creditably “reclaimed” after Sheikh Hasina’s victory and efforts are on to win advantageous space in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
The planned visit to Bhutan on 21-22 March by the Indian prime minister however had to be postponed due to inclement weather conditions over Paro airport. Notwithstanding the sudden intervention by nature, the visit which was otherwise planned amid an electioneering time, showcases the importance that New Delhi is imparting to an important friend and neighbour.
“Due to ongoing inclement weather conditions over Paro airport, it has been mutually decided to postpone the State visit of Prime Minister to Bhutan on 21-22 March 2024. New dates are being worked out by the two sides through diplomatic channels," a statement from the MEA read.
The importance of Bhutan for India can be immediately gauged from the manner in which China is seeking to woo its southern neighbour away from the ambit of Indian influence.
A part agreement had been signed between China and Bhutan by which a four-step understanding was undertaken. However robust analyses state that Thimphu has consulted New Delhi before doing business with Beijing. The possibility of a border arrangement between Bhutan and China would have worked to Indian advantage.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNew Delhi needs to comprehend the northern imperative of Bhutan. It can act as an important buffer between the two Asian giants.
How the Chinese had sought to reach the Jampheri Ridge by constructing a road in the Dokala region was sinister. It would have given them a clear view of the strategic Siliguri corridor.
But the Indian Army and diplomacy prevailed and the menacing moves of the dragon were stymied.
Bhutan is strategic for India. Not only it is important to reinforce the socio-cultural ties that bind it to India, but the military conjugations have also to be re-casted.
New vistas, too, have to be charted. Pathways for trade and land connectivity to the North East and even via Bangladesh onto the Bay of Bengal have to be worked out.
This has to be forged by working with both Bhutan and Bangladesh. Indeed, it is the only sustainable way forward for India.
The importance that Prime Minister Modi is ascribing to Bhutan is yet another sign of his continued statesmanship.
The writer is a conflict theorist and best-selling author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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