| Syllabus: GS II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-Bhutan relations |
Basis of India Bhutan relationship:
- Mutual respect and sovereignty recognition are fundamental.
- India respects Bhutan’s identity and supports its economic development.
- Bhutan trusts India without sovereignty
- This trust lead to a unique level of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Examples:
- The Gelephu project of Bhutan is an ambitious plan to build a massive new city on India’s border with significant involvement from India.
- India’s contribution of ₹5,000 crore to Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan.
- Hydropower cooperation is fundamental to India-Bhutan relations providing clean electricity to India and revenue to Bhutan.
The way ahead:
- Start direct flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu for improved connectivity.
- Provide Indian technology and expertise for building infrastructure in Gelephu.
- Promote visits by high-end Indian tourists and business persons to Gelephu.
