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INTRODUCTION:- Bhutan and India share strong
historical and cultural relations. India is a big power and Bhutan is a small
landlocked country, still both have traditionally warm bilateral relations at
political and economic level. In fact, the ties between the two nations can be
traced back to the 8 th century when Guru Padma Sambhava & many other Buddhist
teachers went from India to Bhutan . They have left a wealth of material on the
history of Bhutan in their bio-graphies.
POLITICAL RELATIONS:- The first landmark treaty
between India and Bhutan was treaty of Sinchula signed in 1865 which provided
for perpetual peace between both the Governments. The monarchy of Bhutan was
installed in 1909 & as recognized by British India . Later by Treaty of Punakha
in 1910, Bhutan 's foreign relations were put under supervision of government of
British India . But the same treaty also provided that there would be no
interference in the national affairs of Bhutan .
Both the above treaties provided the foundation for the treaty of 1949.
According to Art 2 of Indo- Bhutan Treaty, Bhutan is required to consult India
in the conduct of its external relating but remains free to decide whether or
not to accept such advice. This treaty serves as a basic framework of the
bilateral relations between the two nations even today & as such has never
become an irritant in their traditional warm& friendly relationship.
GROWTH OF RELATIONSHIP:- The ties between the two
countries became closer after India gained independence. The third king of
Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck visited India in 1954 & Jawaharlal Nehru visited
Bhutan in 1958. Nehru's historic visit to 1958. Nehru's historic visit was a
landmark event on Indo Bhutan relations. During 1958-59, China laid its claim
not only on Indian Territory but also upon 2200 sq. miles of Bhutanese
territory, it was at this defining moment that Nehru said in the Parliament that
any attack on Bhutan would be considered as attack on India . India ensured the
security of Bhutan although there was no provision regarding defence in the
Treaty of 1949.
In 1963, India sponsored Bhutan 's membership to the Colombo Plan, which was
Bhutan 's first step into an international journey. Later in 1969, Bhutan 's
entry into the universal postal Union was sponsored by India . In 1971, Bhutan
was admitted to the UN with full assistance of India & in 1985 it became a
member of SAARC. Thus, by providing with assistance, India has made it clear
that Bhutan 's guest for an international role does not contradict with the
provision of Article 2 of the Treaty of 1949.
TRADE RELATIONS:- A complete free trade regime
exists between India & Bhutan . India has been the biggest market for Bhutan 's
products. Almost 94% of total Bhutanese exports are to India and 78% of total
imports are from India . Till the seventies third country import & export was
non-existent in Bhutan . Indo-Bhutan trade treaty was signed in 1972. it is
renewed every ten years.
ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION:- Being a landlocked & least
developed country, Bhutan depends upon foreign aid for financing its development
programme & establishment costs. India has been the largest donor of external
aid to Bhutan & its main development partners, Bhutan 's first & Second Five
Year Economic Development Plans were totally funded by India . India committed
Rs. 9000 million (Us $215 million) for Bhutan 's Eight Five year Plan.
Presently, the Indian government is involved in many Bhutanese Projects
including hydropower plants, cement industry, roads etc. 40% of the external
revenue that Bhutan gets is presently from the sale of electricity to India .
PROJECTS ASSISTANCE:-
India has funded all major projects in Bhutan . Some of which are as follows:
- Penden Cement Project:- constructed at a cost of NU 142 million, was fully
funded by India .
- Chukkha Hydroelectricity Project:- This project was built by India & handed over
to Bhutanese Government in 1991. It has an installed capacity of 336 MW & 70% of
power generated by this project is exported to India .
- Paro Airport :- Government of India provided financial & technical assistance in
the construction of Bhutan 's only airport Paro, which was completed in 1999.
- Tala Hydroelectric Project:- This project having an installed capacity of 1020
MW, is located on Wangchu River . It is entirely funded by India by way of 60%
grant and 40% loan at 9% interest. It is targeted for commissioning in 2004-05.
BHEL of India is the supplier of the generating plant of this project.
- Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project:- It has an installed capacity of 60 MW. It is
funded by India & NHPC of India is the turn key contractor of the project.
- Dunsam Cement Plant:- This project is a joint venture between ACC India ltd. &
the Royal Government of Bhutan & is envisaged to produce 5,00,000 tons per year.
- Sankosh Multipurpose Project:- In 1993, Bhutan & India signed to prepare a
detailed project report on Sankosh Multi-purpose Project. It would be Bhutan 's
biggest plant with an installed capacity of 4060 MW. Out of the proposed 141 Kms
canal, only 13 kms will be in Bhutan , & the rest in India . It would supply
power to entire North-East of India & irrigation/ drinking water to Bihar &
Bengal.
- Roads & Highways:- Project Dantak of the Border Roads Organisation of India was
raised in Bhutan in 1961. all the major highways, helipads and 15000 Kms of
roads to difficult mountainous terrains have been built under this project.
EDUCATIONAL TIES
Indian Government scholarships are granted to about 50 Bhutanese students every
year in various institutions of India . India provides specialists and technical
expertise to Bhutan in different fields. Bhutan 's only degree college, i.e.
Sherubtese College is affiliated to Delhi University . Many Indian teachers are
also posted at this college.
PROBLEM OF INDIAN INSURGENTS IN BHUTAN
The Indo-Bhutan border has a zigzag territorial demarcation with the length of
over 200 Kms and militants can easily sneak through the passages to Kokrajhar,
Bongaigaon, Barpeta and Nalbari districts. Three militant groups, viz. United
Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)
and Kamtapuri Liberation Organisation (KLO) are fighting against Indian Security
Forces from their bases inside Bhutan . Since a decade, these insurgent groups
have been demanding independence and separation from India .
In fact, India has been persistently asking Bhutan to initiate a joint
Indo-Bhutan army operation against these militants. But Bhutan appears to be
wary of pursuing such a course of action for fear of possible retaliation by the
insurgents on innocent Bhutanese citizens residing in about 304 villages that
are located in the areas around insurgent camps.
Meanwhile Bhutan had been attempting at peaceful negotiations with the
militants. In July 2003, Bhutan Home Minister announced that the insurgent
groups had not responded to the plea for fresh exit talks for the past two
years. But still the Royal government of Bhutan extended fresh written
invitations to the three Indian separatist rebel groups for talks at Thimpu, to
finalise the question of their peaceful withdrawal from their forcibly occupied
parts of Bhutan .
In AUG 2003, the National Assembly of Bhutan agreed that it would make a last
attempt at dialogue to persuade the separatist leaders to dismantle their camps
or otherwise face military action. But after the militants failed to dismantle
their bases, the Bhutanese came Jigme Singye Wangchuk let his troops to flush
out insurgents from the Himalyan Kingdom . Bhutanese army captured the base of
ULFA in Phukatong. The ULFA finding no alternative offered ceasefire but Bhutan
rejected and all the captured militants were handed over to India . This action
of Bhutan has emerged as a model of regional co-operation that needs to be
promoted among other nations.
His Majesty King Wangchuk paid a visit to India in September 2003. A memo of
understanding was signed for a detailed project report on the 870 MW
Punatsangchu Hydroelectric Project on Sept. 15, 2003 . Talks were also held
regarding the problem of insurgents and their anti- India activities.
Proximity links both India & Bhutan , as it does two neighbours anywhere in the
world. However, the geo-strategic position of Bhutan has transformed the
relation into one of vital importance to both countries. Undoubtedly the
security imperatives are at the core of this close relationship. As such till
today the Indo-Bhutan relations have not remained static and have served the
mutual interests of both nations.
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