Some foreign policy pundits in India have hinted at Bhutan’s
shifting loyalty toward its northern neighbor-spinning a yarn of conspiracy
theories that are naïve at best and ludicrous at worst. Of all, they must
understand that Indo-Bhutan relation runs way deeper than it appears.
If fear mongers are to be believed, alas, the enduring
friendship between India and Bhutan seems to be falling apart. Piecemeal. The
widely rumored premise for such a bold claim anchors on the fragile logic that
China is making increasing inroads into Bhutan or other way round.
Such claim is fundamentally flawed at many levels.
To set the record straight, Indo-Bhutan relation is a
strategic alliance that mutually benefits both the countries. Despite the sheer
difference in size, the equation is that of two equal partners working in
tandem for a common interest.
Although the dynamics of Indo-Bhutan relations has undergone
calculated change over the years, the basis of this relationship remains the
same. Two visionary leaders – King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Indian Prime
Minister Jawaharlal Nehru - forged the relationship between Bhutan and India,
not based on the paternalism of a ‘big brother’ but on the profound
values of trust and equality as independent
nations.
In the earlier stages of Bhutan’s development, India did
guide Bhutan in its foreign policy affairs – often shaping the notion that
Bhutan was a quasi-sovereign nation, more like an autonomous federal state of
India. This however changed in
early 2007 when Bhutan and India revised the 1949 Treaty of Friendship - the
major breakthrough being the removal of a particular article that gave Bhutan
the leeway to pursue its own foreign policy. This was done, among others, to
inject more confidence into a relationship that was founded on trust and
respect for each other’s sovereignty. The 2007 friendship treaty defines this
new relationship. It is the reference point for Indo-Bhutan relations.
Therefore, in essence, even if Bhutan decides to establish
diplomatic and trade relations with China, it’s our independent choice. It
cannot be misconstrued or condemned as a defiant move on our part. For a simple
fact. India already has diplomatic ties with China. And in spite of the regular
frictions between the two countries, they are major trading partners.
That said, Bhutan has always maintained a cautious distance
from China. Why? Because it respects India’s geopolitical interest in the
region. In fact, Bhutan has always backed India on major international issues.
Bhutan shares over 400 kilometers of disputed territory with China in the north
and even after 20 or so rounds of border talks with Chinese government
officials, it is yet to be resolved. The question again is, why? Even here,
Bhutan has kowtowed the Indian line, only because Bhutan keeps India’s interest
in mind – sometimes before its own!
Foreign policy pundits in India who have hinted at Bhutan’s
shifting alliance toward its northern neighbor must understand that Indo-Bhutan relation runs
way deeper
than
it appears. In Bhutan, people do not share their frenzied obsession of China.
That’s however not to say we aren’t aware of China’s growing clout in the
region and global arena. Bhutan cannot live in denial of China’s powerful
pull-factor, which is rather enticing. Talk about the huge economic prospects
of a newfound relationship with China, Bhutan stands to benefit every which
way. In this light, for us, it has been a story of self-sacrifice for the
greater good of Indo- Bhutan relations.
On the other hand, Sino-India relation, steeped in a
love-hate relationship, more of the latter to be precise, should not define the
nature of India’s relationship with Bhutan. The history behind the two is
completely different. And just because Bhutan is asserting itself in the
international platform, be it about propagating its GNH exceptionalism for
instance, it doesn’t mean Indo-Bhutan friendship has taken a back seat. The
tragedy with India-Bhutan-China love triangle is that China, without much ado,
has managed to sow the seed of contempt and mistrust between Bhutan and India.
Bhutan’s friendly excursions with China should not bother
India either for Bhutan will never trade off the friendship with India, come
what may. This confidence India must enjoy. Bhutan is India’s most formidable
ally and partner in the region and it’s here to stay. As much as India cannot
afford to lose Bhutan, Bhutan cannot lose India either. Much is at stake.
However, there is a growing need to redefine Indo-Bhutan
relations and give fresh perspectives to this old friendship-taking a departure
from how it is perceived and projected today. Bhutan has come of age and India
must take pride that it played a major role in it.
Perhaps, a new, intelligent discourse on Indo-Bhutan
relations will pacify the paranoia in India, each time a Prime Minister like
Jigmi Y Thinley takes a bold decision to meet the Chinese Premier, with or
without keeping India in the loop. At the same time, back at home, it will also
discard fears about India’s presumed interference in Bhutan’s domestic
politics.
As best friends, the least we can do is rise above petty
doubts!
