Context & The Gist
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan occurs amidst China’s increasing assertiveness in South Asia, employing a mix of economic incentives and territorial claims. The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to Bhutan’s sovereignty and development, serving as a strategic response to China’s growing influence and potential security challenges in the region, particularly concerning the disputed Doklam plateau.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- China’s Dual Strategy: China utilizes a ‘carrot-and-stick’ approach with Bhutan, offering economic assistance while simultaneously making territorial incursions and constructing infrastructure within disputed areas.
- Debt Trap Diplomacy:
The article highlights China’s ‘debt trap diplomacy’, exemplified by the Hambantota Port incident in Sri Lanka, as a potential risk for smaller nations like Bhutan.
- Strategic Importance of Bhutan: Bhutan is a crucial partner for India in infrastructure, trade, energy, and security, particularly given its location and the sensitive Doklam plateau.
- India’s Respect for Bhutanese Sovereignty: India’s foreign policy towards Bhutan, as enshrined in the 2007 Friendship Treaty, emphasizes respect for Bhutan’s independent decision-making.
- Doklam as a Flashpoint: The Doklam plateau remains a potential trigger for conflict, with any land swap between China and Bhutan posing a threat to India’s Siliguri Corridor.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- International Relations: India’s Neighborhood Policy, relations with South Asian countries, and the rise of China.
- Security: Border disputes, strategic importance of Himalayan region, and implications for India’s security.
- Governance: India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, and its impact on regional stability and cooperation.
Prelims Data Bank
- India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty (2007): Replaced the 1949 treaty, removing the provision for India to ‘guide’ Bhutan’s foreign policy.
- Doklam Plateau: Tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China; site of a 73-day standoff in 2017.
- Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck): A narrow stretch of land connecting India’s Northeast region to the rest of the country.
- Hambantota Port: Sri Lanka leased the port to China for 99 years due to inability to repay debts.
Mains Critical Analysis
The strengthening of India-Bhutan ties is a crucial element of India’s strategic calculus in the face of China’s expanding influence. The PESTLE framework reveals:
- Political: The visit reinforces the political trust between the two nations, countering China’s attempts at diplomatic inroads.
- Economic: MoUs on renewable energy and support for Bhutan’s economic plans demonstrate India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development.
- Social: The historical ties and cultural affinity between India and Bhutan provide a strong foundation for the relationship.
- Technological: Cooperation in areas like renewable energy can foster technological advancements in Bhutan.
- Legal: The 2007 Friendship Treaty provides a stable legal framework for the partnership.
- Environmental: Joint initiatives in environmental conservation are crucial given the shared Himalayan ecosystem.
A critical gap remains in addressing the border dispute between Bhutan and China, particularly concerning Doklam. A peaceful resolution that safeguards both Bhutan’s sovereignty and India’s security interests is paramount. The potential for China’s debt trap diplomacy to destabilize Bhutan requires proactive engagement from India to offer sustainable economic alternatives.
Value Addition
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck: The fourth King of Bhutan, credited with introducing the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
- Gross National Happiness (GNH): Bhutan’s development philosophy, prioritizing holistic well-being over purely economic growth.
- Quote: “India and Bhutan share a special partnership, rooted in mutual trust and understanding.” – PM Narendra Modi (during the visit).
The Way Forward
- Immediate Measure: Strengthen security cooperation with Bhutan, including intelligence sharing and joint patrols along the border.
- Long-term Reform: Enhance economic assistance to Bhutan, focusing on sustainable development projects and capacity building, to counter China’s economic influence.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Facilitate dialogue between Bhutan and China to resolve the border dispute peacefully, while safeguarding India’s strategic interests.