India-Bhutan Relations: Milestones in Chronological Order

India and Bhutan share a unique and time-tested relationship characterized by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding. Here are the major and minor milestones in their history:

Early Interactions (Pre-1947):

• 1774: First treaty of friendship signed between Bhutan and British East India Company. This marked the beginning of formal relations but gave limited control to the British.

Post-Independence Era (1947 onwards):

• August 8, 1948: India and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Friendship in Darjeeling, shortly after India's independence.

  • Context: India inherited the existing treaty with Bhutan from the British. This new treaty, however, reflected a different approach, respecting Bhutan's sovereignty and not interfering in its internal affairs.
  • Importance: The 1948 treaty laid the foundation for a strong and enduring partnership. It committed India to respecting Bhutan's independence and assisting in its development.

• 1958: Then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Bhutan, further strengthening ties.

  • Context: This visit came at a time when China's influence in the region was growing.
  • Importance: Nehru's visit reassured Bhutan of India's commitment to its security and development.

• 1961: India launched its first Five Year Plan, which included substantial assistance for Bhutan's development.

  • Context: Bhutan was beginning its own journey of modernization and economic development.
  • Importance: This marked the beginning of India's long-standing support for Bhutan's socio-economic progress. India remains Bhutan's largest development partner.

• 1971: Bhutan joined the United Nations, with strong support from India.

  • Context: This was a significant step for Bhutan in asserting its international identity.
  • Importance: India played a key role in facilitating Bhutan's entry into the global stage.

• 1974: The coronation of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, witnessed the participation of the Indian President.

  • Importance: This highlighted the close personal ties between the leaders and the special nature of the bilateral relationship.

• 1990s: Cooperation in hydropower development emerged as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.

  • Context: Bhutan had immense hydropower potential, and India needed clean energy.
  • Importance: Hydropower projects, like Chukha and Tala, not only provide clean energy to India but also contribute significantly to Bhutan's economy.

• 2003: Operation All Clear: Royal Bhutan Army, with support from India, successfully evicted insurgents operating from Bhutanese territory.

  • Context: Militant groups from Northeast India had set up camps in Bhutan, posing a security threat to both countries.
  • Importance: This joint operation demonstrated the high level of security cooperation and trust between the two countries.

• 2007: India and Bhutan revised the 1948 Treaty of Friendship, further strengthening their ties.

  • Context: The revision aimed to reflect the changing realities and aspirations of both countries.
  • Importance: The revised treaty reaffirms Bhutan's right to pursue its own foreign policy while acknowledging its special relationship with India.

• 2014 & 2018: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Bhutan for his first foreign visit after assuming office in both terms, signifying the importance India attaches to the relationship.

  • Importance: These visits further strengthened the close ties and saw agreements in various sectors, including hydropower, trade, and connectivity.

• 2017: Doklam standoff: India and China were locked in a 73-day military standoff near the Doklam tri-junction, a strategically important area claimed by both Bhutan and China.

  • Context: This was a significant test for India-Bhutan relations due to the high stakes involved.
  • Importance: India stood by Bhutan in protecting its territorial integrity, showcasing the strength and reliability of their partnership.

Present and Future:

• India remains Bhutan's closest friend and partner, providing significant development assistance, security cooperation, and support in various international forums.
• Both nations are working together to enhance connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges.
• The relationship continues to be defined by mutual trust, respect for each other's sensitivities, and shared values.

India-Bhutan relations serve as a model for peaceful co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation between two neighboring countries with asymmetrical sizes and power dynamics.