Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

Source: The Hindu

For Prelims: India's Neighbourhood First Policy, India-Bhutan, Gelephu project

For Mains: General Studies II- Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

Highlights of the Article

India Bhutan Relations

India's Neighbourhood First Policy

The Gelephu project

The anchor of hydropower cooperation

India's strategic measures

Context

The enduring friendship between Bhutan and its much larger neighbor India, despite vast differences in size and population, has been a subject of admiration for many. Bhutan, with an area of 38,394 square kilometers and a population of 7.7 lakh, stands in stark contrast to India, which spans 3.28 million square kilometers and boasts a population of 140 crores. However, the strength of their partnership lies in mutual respect, shared values, and a deep-rooted trust that has evolved over more than five decades.

UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS

1. India Bhutan Relations

India and Bhutan view each other as equals, a fundamental principle that underpins their diplomatic relations. India has consistently demonstrated respect for Bhutanese identity, including its unique religious practices and aspirations for economic prosperity while preserving its cultural heritage. This acknowledgment of Bhutan's sovereignty and cultural distinctiveness has laid a solid foundation for their enduring friendship.
Bhutan has recognized that its southern neighbor poses no threat to its sovereignty or identity. Instead, it has embraced India's support in its journey of growth, development, and prosperity. India, in turn, has fulfilled these expectations by extending cooperation and assistance, contributing significantly to Bhutan's progress.
The trust between the leadership of both countries has grown steadily over the years. This trust is based on a shared vision of cooperation, mutual benefit, and the understanding that size does not determine the strength of diplomatic bonds. Recent events have underscored the depth of this trust, highlighting the resilience of the bilateral relationship during challenging times.
The India-Bhutan partnership serves as a model of harmonious relations between nations, showcasing how mutual respect, trust, and cooperation can transcend differences in size and population, fostering a strong and enduring friendship for the mutual benefit of both countries.

2. India's Neighbourhood First Policy

India's Neighbourhood First Policy is a strategic approach that emphasizes fostering strong and cooperative relationships with its neighboring countries. The core principles of this policy revolve around mutual respect, shared prosperity, and collective security within the South Asian region and beyond.

Mutual Respect and Equality: The policy underscores the importance of treating neighboring nations as equals and with respect. It aims to build trust and goodwill through diplomatic engagements and people-to-people interactions.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation: India seeks to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various sectors such as trade, economy, security, energy, and infrastructure development. This includes promoting regional connectivity initiatives like roadways, railways, ports, and digital networks.
Socio-Economic Development: The Neighbourhood First Policy prioritizes socio-economic development and prosperity within the region. India engages in development assistance programs, capacity building initiatives, and investment projects to support the growth and stability of neighboring countries.
Security and Stability: Ensuring peace, stability, and security in the region is a fundamental goal. India cooperates with neighboring nations on security-related matters, including counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, border management, and disaster management.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Promoting cultural exchanges, educational linkages, and tourism between India and its neighbors is an integral part of the policy. These exchanges help in fostering understanding, building bridges, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Environmental Sustainability: Addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices are also part of the Neighbourhood First Policy. This includes collaboration on climate change initiatives, conservation efforts, and clean energy projects.
Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level visits, bilateral dialogues, and diplomatic engagements play a crucial role in maintaining positive relations and addressing mutual concerns among neighboring countries.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: India actively supports efforts for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and regional stability. It advocates for peaceful resolutions to disputes and promotes dialogue as a means to address differences.

3. The Gelephu project

During his visit to India in November 2023, the King of Bhutan hinted at plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a project aimed at fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment to southern Bhutan.
This city, envisioned as a Special Economic Zone, will prioritize sustainability, well-being, and environmental considerations while promoting prosperity for the nation.
India, including its business entities, is expected to play a pivotal role in this initiative, reflecting the strong partnership between the two countries.
The Gelephu project underscores Bhutan's commitment to balancing economic progress with environmental stewardship, particularly given Bhutan's status as a carbon-negative country. The focus on sustainability aligns with global efforts to address climate change and promote responsible development.
Furthermore, the Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to enhance human well-being by emphasizing activities such as yoga, rest, recreation, spa therapies, and mental relaxation channels. This holistic approach reflects Bhutan's emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and aligns with India's rich heritage in wellness practices.
The recent visit of Bhutan's Prime Minister to India and the upcoming return visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signify the importance both nations place on nurturing their bilateral relationship.
Regular dialogues, mutual cooperation, and attention to shared goals are essential in strengthening ties between countries, reflecting the principles of India's Neighbourhood First policy.
The back-to-back visits of the leaders demonstrate the commitment of both governments to maintaining and enhancing the close bond between India and Bhutan. This augurs well for the continued growth, development, and prosperity of both nations, highlighting the positive trajectory of India-Bhutan relations underpinned by mutual respect and cooperation.

4. The anchor of hydropower cooperation

Hydropower cooperation stands as the cornerstone of India's bilateral relations with Bhutan.
Over the years, the two nations have successfully completed and commissioned several cooperative hydropower projects.
These projects not only supply clean electricity to India but also generate revenue for Thimphu, contributing to Bhutan's graduation from the Least Developed Country status.
The forthcoming completion of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project in 2024 is yet another testament to the fruitful government-to-government cooperation in the hydropower sector.
While the government-to-government model has proven successful, recent attempts to adopt a new joint venture model for hydroprojects between India and Bhutan have faced challenges.
Despite proposals for five projects under this model, progress has been limited. It may be time to reassess this new approach and devise a more practical and potentially successful model for future hydroprojects through collaborative efforts.
India's role as a significant development assistance partner to Bhutan is noteworthy, having contributed ₹5,000 crore to its 12th Five Year Plan, which recently concluded.
What sets India's development assistance apart is its focus on aligning projects with the priorities of the Bhutanese people.
This approach ensures that projects directly benefit Bhutan and its citizens, fostering a sense of mutual prosperity and shared goals between New Delhi and Thimphu.
The success of the partnership lies in continuous dialogue and consultation, where both nations work together to address challenges and identify opportunities for growth and development.
This collaborative and consultative model should remain central to future endeavors, ensuring a sustained and prosperous partnership between India and Bhutan.

5. India's strategic measures

In the upcoming years, India can play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Gelephu Mindfulness City by considering the following measures

Initiate Direct Flights: Start direct flights between major Indian cities like Mumbai or Delhi and Gelephu. This step will enhance connectivity and facilitate easier travel for tourists and businesspersons.
Technology and Infrastructure Support: Provide technological expertise and assistance in building essential infrastructure to Bhutan. Collaborate with the private sector to lead infrastructure development projects, leveraging India's knowledge and resources.
Promote Tourism and Business: Encourage high-end Indian tourists and business travelers to explore Gelephu by organizing controlled tours and business events. Highlight the unique offerings of the Mindfulness City to attract interest and investment.
Facilitate Indian Business Ventures: Create a conducive environment for Indian businesses to establish their presence in Gelephu. Offer incentives and support mechanisms to encourage investment and economic activities in the city.
Regional Socio-Economic Impact: Recognize that the success of Gelephu Mindfulness City will not only benefit Bhutan but also have positive socio-economic impacts on neighboring regions like West Bengal and Assam. Encourage collaborations and partnerships that foster mutual growth and development.

6. Conclusion

The collaborative and consultative approach between India and Bhutan, guided by shared goals and continuous dialogue, sets a positive trajectory for future endeavors. As both nations navigate challenges and opportunities together, their enduring partnership serves as a beacon of stability, prosperity, and mutual growth in the region.

Mains Pratice Questions

1. Discuss the key factors that have contributed to the enduring friendship between Bhutan and India despite vast differences in size and population. How has mutual respect and shared values strengthened their bilateral relations? (250 Words)

2. Explain India's Neighbourhood First Policy and its core principles. How does this policy contribute to fostering strong and cooperative relationships with neighboring countries like Bhutan? (250 Words)

3. Analyze the significance of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project in the context of India-Bhutan relations. Discuss the key objectives of this project and how it aligns with sustainable development goals. (250 Words)

4. Evaluate the role of hydropower cooperation as the anchor of India's bilateral relations with Bhutan. Discuss the challenges faced in recent attempts to adopt a new joint venture model for hydroprojects and suggest potential strategies for future cooperation in the hydropower sector. (250 Words)

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Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

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