Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

Basis of India Bhutan relationship:

• Mutual respect and sovereignty recognition are fundamental.
• India respects Bhutan’s identity and supports its economic development.
• Bhutan trusts India without sovereignty
• This trust lead to a unique level of mutual understanding and cooperation.

Examples:

• The Gelephu project of Bhutan is an ambitious plan to build a massive new city on India’s border with significant involvement from India.
• India’s contribution of ₹5,000 crore to Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan.
• Hydropower cooperation is fundamental to India-Bhutan relations providing clean electricity to India and revenue to Bhutan.

The way ahead:

• Start direct flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu for improved connectivity.
• Provide Indian technology and expertise for building infrastructure in Gelephu.
• Promote visits by high-end Indian tourists and business persons to Gelephu.

Source: The Hindu