India and Bhutan has a unique and special relationship that is based on a long history of cultural, economic, and political ties.  Bhutan occupies a strategically important position in South Asia and has been a key partner for India in regional cooperation efforts

India-bhutan relationship (present status and difficulties)

Bhutan and China have had a long-standing border dispute, with China claiming a large part of Bhutanese territory in the western region. This area is also strategically important . If China were to make any advances in this region, it could potentially threaten India’s security.

China disputes the following territories with Bhutan:

• In the north, Pasamlung and Jakarlung valleys, both of which are culturally vital for Bhutan and in the west, Doklam, Dramana, and Shakhatoe, Yak Chu and Charithang Chu, and Sinchulungpa and Langmarpo valleys.
• The Doklam trijunction is crucial for India as it lies precariously close to the Siliguri Corridor. Recently, China has also claimed the Sakteng sanctuary, which is on Bhutan’s east and does not border China.
• Bhutan is one of India’s closest allies in the region, and India has long provided economic and military support to Bhutan. However, in recent years, China has been increasing its economic and diplomatic ties with Bhutan, which could potentially weaken India’s influence in the region
• China has become increasingly assertive in its foreign policy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
• This has led to tensions with several countries, including India.

 Importance of Bhutan for India

• Bhutan shares its borders with India and China, and its strategic location makes it an important buffer state for India’s security interests.
• India has provided Bhutan with assistance in areas such as defense, infrastructure, and communication, which has helped to maintain Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• India has helped Bhutan build and maintain its border infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to strengthen its defense capabilities and ensure its territorial integrity.

Economic importance

• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and Bhutan’s major export destination.
• Bhutan’s hydropower potential is a significant source of revenue for the country, and India has been instrumental in assisting Bhutan in developing its hydropower projects.
• India also provides Bhutan with financial assistance for its development projects.
• India has provided assistance to Bhutan in preserving its cultural heritage, and many Bhutanese students come to India for higher education.
• India has provided assistance to Bhutan in areas such as renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism

What are the main challenges in india-bhutan relationship

• India has been Bhutan’s closest ally and has played a key role in protecting Bhutan’s sovereignty and security.
• India and Bhutan share a 699 km long border, which has been largely peaceful
• There have been concerns in Bhutan over the terms of some of the hydropower projects, which have been seen as too favorable to India.
• Bhutan has been seeking greater access to the Indian market for its products, which could help to reduce the trade deficit.

India and bhutan can cooperate in many areas .The need is to cooperate on these areas and minimize the areas of conflict.