India is facing increasing pressure in its own neighborhood as China strengthens its ties with countries that have traditionally been close partners of New Delhi. Many of these countries have resented Indian dominance and see China as a potential counterbalance. The orientation toward India and China could change with a change in government, as seen in recent events in Maldives and Bangladesh.
The India-Bhutan relationship is particularly significant, as India has taken over the role of protectorate from the British colonial government. This arrangement has come under scrutiny as Bhutan has evolved politically, with questions about the relationship becoming more prevalent in Bhutanese politics.
Bhutan is important to India because it shares a border with China, and China has been increasing pressure on Bhutan’s border. In 2017, tensions rose as Chinese forces attempted to enter Bhutanese territory in the Doklam region, which would have given them a strategic advantage over a narrow corridor connecting mainland India to its northeastern region. This makes New Delhi particularly sensitive about China-Bhutan relations.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s visit to Thimphu in late January took place a day after a new government took charge in Bhutan under Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Kwatra held discussions with Bhutanese officials on various subjects under the rubric of bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan, demonstrating India’s commitment to deepening the relationship.
The visit holds significance as the new Bhutanese government prepares to address its border issues with China. Bhutan and China signed a “Cooperation Agreement” on the delimitation and demarcation of their boundary in October 2023, outlining the responsibilities of the Joint Technical Team tasked with this process. Finding a border settlement is crucial for establishing diplomatic relations between Bhutan and China.
India is making efforts to maintain its ties with Bhutan and limit any Chinese pressure on its small but vital neighbor, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and China.