Evergreen Indo-Bhutan Relations.

PM Nehru travels to Bhutan on Yak-back in 1958. Pic source : inc.in

After India gained independence,  the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru,  travelled on yak-back to Bhutan and established a new era of Indo-Bhutan relation. The arduous but,  unassuming journey was completed on the animal owing to the limited construction of motorable roads in Bhutan back in that time. ( Later, this journey became the premise for the Border Road Organisation, currently under the Ministry of Defense, to operationalise Project Dantak -1961 - which prioritised road construction in the region). Even before this meet,  apprehensive of China's movements in Tibet in 1949, Bhutan had already co-authored the famous  Treaty of Friendship 1949  with India.  The treaty till today, though amended in b2007 to provide more autonomy to Bhutan, forms the bedrock of Indo-Bhutan relationship. A unique feature about this treaty is that it allows both the countries to extend national treatment to each other. Meaning, Indians are treated as equals in Bhutan as the citizens of Bhutan do in India.  Since the beginning, India's avuncular approach towards Bhutan has been reflected in positive spirits. Be it India's assistance in developing the first 5-year plan of Bhutan in 1961 to taking the Himalayan nation's case to United Nations for its membership, India has done well in drawing a line between support and interference, particularly with Bhutan. This fact was further recognised by the signing the Agreement on Trade and Commerce, in 2006 between the two nations that boosted trade without undermining the sovereign integrity.  As a result, today, Bhutan's 80% of trade remains with India. Various Indian banks such as State Bank of India have a presence in Bhutan, and numerous Indian companies participate in Bhutan's economy. 

Water Diplomacy 'Hydro-diplomacy', stands as a novel feature of the bonhomie shared between the two countries. The royal land, attributed to the Himalayan topography, has immense hydropower potential. However,  it was only in 1960ese that electricity generation rose in Bhutan with India's assistance. From providing diesel sets to exporting electricity from Jaldakha plant in West Bengal to assisting in the establishment of the Chukha 33 Megawatt Electricity plant, India has more often than not paced headlong in extending support.  This investment has also proved beneficial for India. Apart from strengthening the every-green bond, India has also been able to import the surplus electricity generated from these plants, accommodating its increasing energy needs. With a commitment to harness  10,000 Megawatts of power by 2020, many other projects are lined up that involves both nation's participation. The recent inauguration of Mangdechhu dam by Prime Minister Modi during his second visit to the Kingdom is one of them.   Meanwhile, there has also been a fair share of controversies surrounding the hydro-plants. The Indian side witnessed flooding in the state of Assam in 2014 whereas stakeholders in Bhutan have often alleged the present monopoly of Indian firms in their nation. Concerns over recruitment of cheap Bangladeshi labour were also brought up by the Bhutanese counterpart. However, continuous dialogues between the two allies have resulted in quick resolutions of such issues that have dodged any escalation.  Operation All Clear A less known military partnership - Operation All Clear ( 2003-04 )-, is considered as one of the most successful army operations between India and Bhutan. The Royal Bhutan Army in a bid to oust ULFA and NDFB camps in South Bhutan aggressively sanitised the region. This was complemented by the Indian army placing around 12 Battalions along the border that ensured no insurgents crossed the international border. Reports suggest that the operation was successful in neutralising 650 insurgents and destroyed about 30 camps. Times of India in a report even mentioned Bhutan's prince, to be reportedly injured in cross-fire. It further stated that "The prince to save his motherland and its sovereignty left his studies in Oxford midway to join his father King Jigme Singwe Wangchuck in clearing the Kingdom from the Ulfa, NDFB and KLO militants who forcefully occupied Bhutan for 12 years."  Learnings for India Though the two nations have come a long way since the 1949 treaty, there are still numerous lessons to be learnt. United Nation recognises that "Bhutan has prioritised conservation of the environment, including commitments to remain carbon neutral by keeping absorption of the greenhouse gases higher than emissions."  For a country like India, that is globally infamous for polluted cities, the virtue of cleanliness and sanitation can be borrowed from Bhutan. Furthermore, values that strive for "Happiness" is unique to this region. The citizen-centric policies and familial, societal relations consolidate their social fabric into one. Policies and other development plans are formed to maximise joy and satisfaction among the inhabitants. --Bhutan's hindrance towards joining the multi-national highway project is a testimony to this stated fact--. As a result, the denizens of this nation take pride in faring well in happiness reports. 

The two-day visit of Prime Minister Narender Modi on 17th August 2019, though reflecting a contrast in the travel, draws a significant parallel of extending warmth and friendship to the Himalayan nation. It even demonstrates development in Bhutan, happened in the past few decades. When the first PM opted to travel on the yak in the absence of motorable roads,  Bhutanese administration, this time, provided a red carpet welcome to PM Modi,  as he descended from his aircraft at Paro International airport. Such contrast in two situations only reflects the evergreen friendship which these two nations share unfazed by the situational circumstances.  (Do support us by sharing this article, if you find it a good read)