Something special: On Narendra Modi's Bhutan visit (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2: International Relations
Prelims level: India-Bhutan
Mains level: India and its neighbourhood relations

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Thimphu affirmed a long-standing tradition between India and Bhutan.
• This visit was actually delayed to include outcomes such as the inauguration of the 720 MW Mangdechhu hydropower plant.
• The relationship is indeed built on a traditional closeness, one that is unique in today’s world.
• Open borders, close alignment and consultation on foreign policy, and regular, open communications on all strategic issues are the hallmark of the relationship that has maintained its consistency for the past many decades.

Cooperation from Bhutan

• Bhutan’s unequivocal support to India on strategic issues has meant a lot to India on the international stage and at the United Nations.
• Bhutan’s leadership has not flinched in opposing threats to India; for instance, the former King’s efforts in 2003 to drive out ULFA rebels or more recently, support for India’s stand against Chinese troops on the Doklam plateau.
• India’s assistance to Bhutan’s planned economy, to constructing its highest revenue earner of hydropower generated electricity, and then buying the electricity generated has also ensured a symbiotic and mutually beneficial base to the relationship, which has been nurtured by the leaders in both countries, in a manner Mr. Modi called “exemplary”.

Solved agreements

• In the past few years, ties came under a strain over India’s sudden change in its power purchasing policy, rigid rates and refusal to allow Bhutan to join the national power grid and trade with third countries like Bangladesh.
• These issues are being addressed now. Another concern that could create differences is over Bhutan’s worry that too much trade, transport and tourism from India could put its environment at risk.
• India’s plans for a Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal grouping have been held up, and a Bhutanese proposal to levy entry charges on Indian tourists could cause differences with India.

Way forward

• Earlier generations of Bhutanese students never looked beyond India, but in recent years young Bhutanese have shown a preference for education destinations in Australia, Singapore and Thailand.
• There is thus much to repair in the ties.
• New Delhi will have to remain alert to strategic powers which are courting Bhutan assiduously, as is evident from the high-level visits from China and the U.S. In a world of growing options.
• It remains in India’s and Bhutan’s best interests to make each other’s concerns a top priority.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Consider the following statements about Joint Maritime Surveillance system as recently seen in news:
1. It is a joint maritime surveillance system between India and European Union.
2. It will use constellation of low-Earth orbiting satellites to track movement of ships globally.
3. It provides for a maritime surveillance centre to be set up in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only

Answer: C
Mains Questions:
Q.1) India and Bhutan have a good thing going; each must take the other’s concerns seriously. Comment.