Round The World
New Delhi, 19 June 2014
Modi’s Bhutan Visit
KINDLING NEW HOPE
By Prof. Arvind Kumar
Dept. of Geopolitics and
International Relations, Manipal
University
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
first foreign visit to Bhutan
after assuming office has gained salience across the South Asian region. Certainly,
the trip had lot to do with symbolic messaging particularly to the Southern Asia region. It was a reaffirmation of abiding
relationship on New Delhi’s
part and is being seen as remarkable and positive in India-Bhutan bilateral
relations.
India figures high on Bhutan agenda and Thimpu’s emphasis on New Delhi as a
cornerstone of its foreign policy is now reflected with a greater focus since
the country’s transition to democracy in 2008. India
has always been committed to Bhutan’s
progress and development. And this trip underscored the seriousness New Delhi attaches to Thimpu.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi’s
interaction with the Bhutanese leadership mainly centered on extensive
development cooperation between the two countries and also explored ways and
means to enhance economic ties. India
called for greater augmentation of a more responsive Indian financial
assistance to Bhutan.
New Delhi also supported Bhutan in
building its human resources. In this regard, Modi suggested doubling the
number of scholarships provided to Bhutanese students in India and also
offered help in setting up a digital library of two million books and
periodicals in the Himalayan nation. This would help Bhutan develop its intellectual
capacity and ultimately enable it the younger generation in all relevant areas
of academic discipline. As, a nation’s intellectual capacity is critical for
growth and development.
India also made clear that it would not
only nurture its relationship with Bhutan but also strengthen it to
the fullest extent possible. The Prime Minister espoused his Government’s motivations
and fundamental goals and the parameters needed for strengthening bilateral ties
in all probable areas of cooperation. How best India
and Bhutan
work together in promoting peace and security formed a major part of the
discussion. Alongside, the need to explore and tap effectively the tourism
potential between the neighbours.
Notably, New Delhi and Thimpu traditionally have lot
of linkages. Bhutan's uniqueness and the distinct feature in terms of its
understanding the pulse of the nation by identifying Gross National Happiness (GNH)
rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was appreciated by India. Pertinently,
the GNH depends upon the type of neighbourhood and hence geopolitics becomes crucial
to measure this concept.
Importantly, China was discussed too given that Beijing presently has no
diplomatic relations with Thimpu even as it makes serious attempts in forging
ties. However, the two countries maintain friendly exchanges and visits, notwithstanding,
a long standing border dispute which is impacting the Himalayan kingdom’s GNH. Indeed,
Modi’s visit was keenly watched by Beijing.
Whether the visit signals a move to contain China is debatable.
As it stands, over the years
India-Bhutan relations have been mutually beneficial which was reaffirmed.
Towards that end, both reiterated their commitment to continuity in their
policies and achieving the 10,000 MW target in hydropower cooperation by 2020. Recall,
hydropower cooperation has been earning precious revenue for Bhutan through export of electricity to India. Clearly,
an example of a win-win cooperation for Bhutan
as it provides clean electricity to India and has strengthened
bilateral economic linkages.
Besides, the neighbours decided to
strengthen cooperation in a number of areas including information technology
and education. Trade and investment and cooperation in both regional and
multilateral forums also figured prominently in their bilateral understanding. Both
agreed to continue close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues
relating to their national interests, and not allow each other's territory to
be used for interests inimical to the other. Primarily intended to demonstrate
that Thimpu would never allow its territory to be used for insurgency.
It must be emphasized here that Bhutan is perhaps the only country in India’s neighbourhood, which so far has helped New Delhi in tackling
militants working from its territory. In fact, Bhutan had conducted 'Operation All
Clear' against India-specific insurgents.
New Delhi also conveyed its decision to
exempt Bhutan
from any ban or quantitative restrictions on export of items like milk powder,
wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati rice. Which would not only help Thimpu
intensify and augment its trade with India as its largest trading
partner but also enhance the $1.1 billion bilateral trade in the foreseeable
future. Remember, India has provided
development assistance to Bhutan
since 1961.
Undeniably, Prime Minister Modi’s
visit underlined the importance of neighbourly relations, reflecting New Delhi’s keenness to
intensify its partnership with countries in its neighbourhood. India understands Bhutan’s strategic location, its
geographical importance and the relevance of a good and a peaceful neighbour. Given
that China’s sphere of
influence in the region has increased thanks to the UPA by and large ignoring its
neighbours and that it shares border with four of India’s
neighbours wherein Beijing
capitalized its potential and enhanced its interest.
Significantly, China could not make its inroads in Bhutan.
In sum, Modi's visit was momentous
in the context that it was a signal to China about its seriousness in India-Bhutan
ties as reflected in its behavioural patterns. New Delhi has always been Thimpu’s reliable
partner to augment and strengthen Bhutanese economy. Thus, economic partnership
will be the key in bilateral relations.
Bhutan, in real sense, is now emerging on
the scene especially after its transition to democracy. It has the potential
and needs to develop in all sectors. Its first road was built in 1962 and
television and the internet arrived in 1999. It is the world's first country to
monitor Gross National Happiness vis-à-vis
to Gross Domestic Product. Moreover, the emerging India-Bhutan partnership will
address Thimpu’s high unemployment and a growing national debt.
India needs to streamline and focus on
its strategy towards Bhutan
in the new regime. The Prime Minister’s visit has brought new hopes to the Bhutanese,
especially the need to evolve a robust and comprehensive partnership in every
dimension of the relationship. ----- INFA
(Copyright, India News and
Feature Alliance)
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