| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighborhood, Issue: Regional economic hub at Gelephu (Bhutan) |
Context: Bhutan is planning to build “Gelephu Mindfulness City” (GMC) near Assam border.
Key feature of GMC:
- Operate as a special administrative zone with investor-friendly laws.
- Aims to be a carbon-neutral city, hosting non-polluting industries.
- Resembles planned cities like Neom in Saudi Arabia and Nusantara in Indonesia.
Significance:
- For India-, Strategic location aligns with India’s “Act East” plans and India-Japan connectivity initiatives.
- Complements India’s broader regional connectivity plans.
- Address Bhutan’s challenges -need to diversify from hydropower and tourism, youth outmigration and geopolitical concerns, including pressure from China.
Concerns:
- Tough terrain and geographical challenge.
- Insurgencies in Assam, other northeastern States and in Myanmar.
- Landlocked character and dependence on other countries
- Represents a significant investment with uncertain immediate returns.
Conclusion:
- In an increasingly polarized global setting, India must strengthen ties with its South Asian neighbors.
- Exploring new avenues for cooperation could benefit regional stability and development.
- Gelephu project offers an opportunity for regional transformation with India’s assistance.
