• The basic framework of India-Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries.
• It called for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
• The Treaty was revised in 2007.
• However, Bhutan agreed to let India guide its foreign policy and both nations would consult each other closely on foreign and defence affairs.
• The diplomatic relations were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu.
• There are a number of institutional and diplomatic mechanisms between India and Bhutan in areas such as security, border management, trade, transit, economic, hydro-power, development cooperation, water resources etc.

Strategic Importance of Bhutan

• Bhutan shares its border with four Indian states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim with a length of 699 km and serves as a buffer between India and China.
• Bhutan is important to India as a buffer state as it acts as a defence against China by protecting the chicken neck corridor.
• The Siliguri Corridor, or Chicken’s Neck, is a narrow stretch of land of about 22 kilometres.
• It is located in the Indian state of West Bengal, which connects India’s north-eastern states to the rest of India, with the countries of Nepal and Bangladesh lying on either side of the corridor.
• The Doklam stand-off re-established the strategic significance of Bhutan for India.

What worries India?

• China''s Growing Influence: China''sincreasing presence in Bhutan, particularly along the disputed border between Bhutan and China, has raised concerns in India. India has been Bhutan''s closest ally and has played a key role in protecting Bhutan''s sovereignty and security. However, China''s growing economic and military influence in the region poses a challenge to India''s strategic interests in Bhutan.

Recent Developments in China Bhutan Relations Concerning India

• Border Disputes:
  • Bhutan and China havehad a long-standing border dispute, with China claiming a large part of Bhutanese territory in the western region.
  • This area is also strategically important as it is close to India''s Siliguri Corridor, which connects mainland India to its northeastern states.
  • If China were to make any advances in this region, it could potentially threaten India''s security.
    • China disputes the following territories with Bhutan:In the north, Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys, both of which are culturally vital for Bhutan and in the west, Doklam, Dramana, and Shakhatoe, Yak Chu and Charithang Chu, and Sinchulungpa and Langmarpo valleys.
    • The Doklam trijunction is crucial for India as it lies precariously close to the Siliguri Corridor.
    • Recently, China has also claimed the Sakteng sanctuary, which is on Bhutan’s east and does not border China.
  • China''s Assertiveness:
    • China has become increasingly assertive in its foreign policy,particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
    • This has led to tensions with several countries, including India.
    • If China were to use its increasing influence in Bhutan to further its strategic goals, it could potentially pose a challenge to India''s regional security.

Looking ahead

Economic Cooperation:

• India can help Bhutan to boost its economy by investing in infrastructure development,tourism, and other sectors. This will not only help Bhutan to become self-reliant but also create employment opportunities for its people.
• Recent decision to set up the first Integrated Check Post (ICP) along the border near Jaigaon and Phuntsholing,the busiest trading point between the countries will help in boosting trade between the two countries.
• The decision to expedite theoperationalisation of the third international internet gateway for Bhutan is also a great step in the direction.

Cultural Exchange:

• India and Bhutan canpromote cultural exchange programs to foster greater understanding and appreciation of each other''s culture, art, music, and literature. A  visa-free movement of peoples from both countries can strengthen sub-regional cooperation.

Strategic Cooperation:

• India and Bhutan can strengthen their strategic cooperation to address shared security concerns. They can work together to combat terrorism, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes.

Renewable Energy:

• Bhutan has enormous potential for generating hydropower,and India can help Bhutan to harness its hydropower resources by investing in renewable energy projects.

Education and Skill Development:

• India can help Bhutan in the areas of education and skill developmentby providing scholarships to Bhutanese students and training programs to enhance the skills of Bhutanese professionals. According to All India Surveys of Higher Education (AISHE), the number of Bhutanese students receiving tertiary education in India declined from 2,468 in 2012-13 to 1,827 in 2020-21, accounting for just 3.8% of all international students from 7% a decade ago.