• UGI USER
  • Mar 20, 2024
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TIES THAT EPITOMISE INDIA’S NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST POLICY

Syllabus:

GS 2:

  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Focus:

  • The concept of the Gelephu Mindfulness City was introduced by the King of Bhutan during his visit to India in November 2023.
Source:- TOI

India and Bhutan’s relationship, characterized by mutual respect and partnership, serves as a prime example of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. Below are key points that encapsulate the essence of this bilateral relationship:

 Mutual Respect and Sovereignty

  • India and Bhutan share a unique bond, underscored by mutual respect and the recognition of each other’s sovereignty, irrespective of their size differences.
  • This relationship thrives on the principle of treating each other as equals, where both countries acknowledge and respect each other’s cultural identities, religious practices, and the desire for economic prosperity while preserving their distinct way of life.
  • The enduring partnership has fostered a deep level of trust between the two countries, evident in their consistent and respectful diplomatic engagements.

The Gelephu Project: A Testament to Cooperation

  • The concept of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, introduced by the King of Bhutan during his visit to India in November 2023, highlights the innovative aspects of the India-Bhutan partnership. It aims to attract foreign investment and advance Bhutan’s prosperity while focusing on sustainability and well-being.
  • India’s expected involvement in this project underscores the collaborative spirit between the two nations, aiming to enhance economic opportunities in Bhutan without compromising its environmental commitments.

Hydropower Cooperation: A Foundation Stone

  • Hydropower development represents a cornerstone of the India-Bhutan relationship, with several projects already benefiting both nations—India receives clean electricity, while Bhutan enjoys financial gains, aiding its transition from a Least Developed Country.
  • The ongoing Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, expected to complete in 2024, continues this tradition of successful collaboration. However, the challenges faced by the joint venture model for new projects indicate a need for revisiting and possibly revamping future cooperation strategies.

Development Assistance and Shared Prosperity

  • India’s contribution to Bhutan’s development, such as the substantial support for its 12th Five Year Plan, exemplifies India’s role as a key development partner. This assistance is aligned with Bhutan’s priorities, ensuring that the projects undertaken have a direct beneficial impact on its population.
  • The partnership extends beyond financial aid, involving discussions and collaborations that respect Bhutan’s development goals, fostering a healthy and productive relationship.

Future Collaborative Measures

To further bolster the India-Bhutan relationship and ensure the success of initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City, several measures could be considered:

  • Initiating Direct Flights: Establishing direct air connections between major Indian cities and Gelephu would enhance connectivity and mutual access, facilitating business and tourism.
  • Sharing Infrastructure Expertise: India could offer its technological and infrastructural development expertise to assist Bhutan in building robust physical structures, with a significant role for the private sector.
  • Promoting Controlled Tourism and Business Investments: Encouraging Indian tourists and businesses to engage with Bhutan in a sustainable and controlled manner could foster economic growth and cultural exchange.
  • Economic Spillovers: The success of Gelephu as a Mindfulness City could have positive socio-economic effects on adjacent regions in India, promoting a win-win scenario for both countries.

Significance of Bhutan for India:

  • Strategic Importance:
    • Bhutan serves as a vital buffer state for India’s security interests, sharing borders with both India and China.
    • India’s assistance in defence, infrastructure, and communication sectors has bolstered Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
    • Joint efforts to develop border infrastructure strengthen Bhutan’s defence capabilities, as seen during the Doklam standoff in 2017.
  • Economic Importance:
    • India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, with significant economic ties.
    • Bhutan’s hydropower potential, supported by India, contributes substantially to its revenue generation.
  • Cultural Importance:
    • Strong cultural ties between Bhutan and India, both predominantly Buddhist nations.
    • India aids Bhutan in preserving its cultural heritage, while many Bhutanese students pursue higher education in India.
  • Environmental Importance:
    • Bhutan’s commitment to carbon neutrality finds support from India, which aids in renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism.

Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations:

  • China’s Growing Influence:
    • China’s presence in Bhutan raises concerns for India, despite no formal diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan.
  • Border Disputes:
    • Incursions by Chinese forces along the Bhutan-China border pose potential strains on India-Bhutan relations.
  • Hydropower Projects:
    • While India supports Bhutan’s hydropower development, there are concerns in Bhutan over project terms perceived as too favorable to India.
  • Trade Issues:
    • Bhutan seeks greater access to the Indian market to address trade imbalances, with India accounting for a significant portion of Bhutan’s imports and exports.

The India-Bhutan relationship, with its emphasis on equality, respect, and mutual benefit, exemplifies India’s Neighbourhood First policy. The partnership has matured over the years, encompassing a wide range of cooperative endeavors from hydropower projects to development assistance and innovative initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City. As both nations look forward to further strengthening their ties, the focus remains on sustainable development, economic prosperity, and mutual respect, setting a benchmark for international relations in the region.

Key Facts Related to Bhutan:

  • Geographical Location:
    • Nestled between India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked country characterized by mountains and valleys dominating its landscape.
  • Capital City:
    • Thimphu serves as the capital city of Bhutan.
  • Political System:
    • Bhutan transitioned to a democracy in 2008, following its first democratic elections. The King of Bhutan holds the position of Head of State.
  • Official Name:
    • Bhutan is officially known as the ‘Kingdom of Bhutan,’ with its Bhutanese name being Druk Gyal Khap, translating to the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon.’
  • River:
    • The longest river in Bhutan is the Manas River, stretching over 376 km.
    • The Manas River is a transboundary river flowing through the Himalayan foothills, forming a border between southern Bhutan and India.
  • Government System:
    • Bhutan follows a parliamentary monarchy system of government.
  • Bordering Countries:
    • Bhutan shares its borders with only two countries: India and Tibet, which is an autonomous region of China
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy:

  • Introduction and Objective:
    • Initiated in 2014, India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy aims to enhance relations with its immediate neighbors.
  • Principles of the Policy:
    • Emphasizes:
      • Sovereignty and territorial integrity.
      • Mutual respect and sensitivity.
      • Non-interference in internal affairs.
      • Shared prosperity.
      • Connectivity for regional integration.
      • People-to-people exchanges.
  • Recent Developments:
    • South Asian Leaders’ Oath-Taking Ceremony (2014):
      • PM Modi invited all South Asian heads of state to his oath-taking ceremony, demonstrating India’s commitment to regional cooperation.
    • Stronger Ties with Afghanistan:
      • In 2015, PM Modi inaugurated the Afghan Parliament and visited Afghanistan again in 2016 to inaugurate the Salma Dam in Herat, showcasing India’s support for Afghan development.
    • Ties with Nepal:
      • PM Modi’s visit to Nepal in 2014 marked the first by an Indian PM in 17 years, strengthening bilateral ties.
    • Ties with Bangladesh:
      • In 2015, PM Modi’s visit to Bangladesh led to the ratification of historic land boundary agreements, fostering stronger ties.
    • BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement (2015):
      • India signed the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement in 2015, aiming to regulate vehicular traffic among BBIN members, promoting regional connectivity.
    • Vaccine Maitri:
      • Through ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic, India prioritized providing vaccines to neighboring countries, demonstrating solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis.

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

Mains Practice Question:

“Examine the significance of India’s Neighbourhood First policy in strengthening regional relationships, with a special focus on the India-Bhutan partnership. Discuss how initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City project underscore the policy’s objectives and contribute to regional stability and prosperity. Illustrate your answer with examples.”