| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: India-Bhutan relation |
Context: Prime Minister’s recent visit to Bhutan.
Growing presence of China in India’s neighbourhood:
- China’s economic rise has enabled it to contest India’s primacy in South Asia, posing challenges to India’s influence in the region.
- Bhutan is strategically vital for India due to its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor.
- China’s pressure on Bhutan for a favourable border settlement and equal bilateral relations with India has strained Delhi-Thimphu ties.
Conclusion:
- India now acknowledges China’s growing challenge in South Asia and aims to deepen economic and security cooperation with its neighbours.
- Success in Bhutan could serve as a model for improving India’s relations with other neighbouring
