Introduction

India-Bhutan relations stand at a critical juncture as geopolitical tensions in South Asia intensify. With China's growing assertiveness in the region and ongoing border disputes involving Bhutan, India's strategic partnership with its smaller Himalayan neighbor has become more crucial than ever. PM Narendra Modi's recent visit to Bhutan underscores New Delhi's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the face of external challenges.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of India-Bhutan relations, the Doklam dispute, and the broader strategic implications—essential knowledge for UPSC aspirants and competitive exam candidates.

Understanding India-Bhutan Strategic Relations

Historical Background and Diplomatic Ties

India and Bhutan share a unique relationship with deep historical roots:

1949: India-Bhutan Friendship and Cooperation Agreement established—predating formal diplomatic relations by nearly two decades

1968: Official diplomatic relations formally established between the two nations

1972: Death of the third King of Bhutan; India provided significant support during this transitional period

2008: Bhutan's transition to constitutional monarchy, with India actively supporting democratic transformation

2014 and 2019: PM Modi made Bhutan his first official visit after assuming office—demonstrating the priority India accords to this relationship

Why India Prioritizes Bhutan

India treats Bhutan as a special strategic partner due to several factors:

Geographic proximity: India shares a 699-kilometer border with Bhutan

Buffer state advantage: Bhutan acts as a strategic buffer between India and China

Shared security concerns: Both nations face pressure from Chinese territorial claims

Cultural affinity: Strong historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two peoples

Economic interdependence: Bhutan relies on India for security, defense, and economic support

The Doklam Dispute: India's Unwavering Support

What is Doklam?

Doklam is a tri-junction point where the borders of China, Bhutan, and India converge. This region holds immense strategic significance for India:

Location: Near the Siliguri Corridor (also known as the "Chicken Neck")—a narrow strip of Indian territory connecting mainland India to the northeastern states

Strategic importance: The Siliguri Corridor is vital for India's national security and connectivity to seven northeastern states

Vulnerability: The tri-junction point directly overlooks this critical corridor, making it a security-sensitive zone

The 2017 Standoff: India's Resolute Stand

In 2017, China attempted to construct a road in the Doklam region, which Bhutan claims as its territory:

Chinese claim: China asserts territorial rights over Doklam

Bhutan's position: Bhutan considers Doklam as part of its sovereign territory

India's response: India took an unprecedented stand, stationing troops in the disputed area alongside Bhutan

Duration: The 73-day standoff lasted from June to August 2017

Outcome: China withdrew without completing the road construction, marking a significant diplomatic and strategic victory for India

Current China-Bhutan Border Dispute

Despite the 2017 resolution, tensions persist:

Ongoing border disagreements between China and Bhutan remain unresolved

China continues to assert claims over multiple sectors of the Bhutan border

India consistently supports Bhutan's position in these territorial disputes

The dispute reflects China's broader expansionist strategy in the Eastern Hemisphere

PM Modi's 2025 Visit: Strengthening the Bond

Significance of the Recent Visit

PM Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan represents a reaffirmation of India's strategic commitment:

First destination visits: Following his election victories in 2014 and 2019, Modi prioritized Bhutan as his first international destination

2024 pre-election visit: Before the 2024 general elections, Modi visited Bhutan, where he received Bhutan's highest civilian honor

Historic honor: Modi became the first foreign citizen to receive the prestigious award, symbolizing the extraordinary nature of India-Bhutan relations

Key Outcomes and Implications

The recent visit aims to:

Deepen defense and security cooperation between the two nations

Enhance economic and development partnership through hydroelectric projects

Strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchange

Coordinate diplomatic strategy against external challenges

Reaffirm India's commitment to supporting Bhutan against Chinese pressure

Strategic Context: The Chinese Challenge

Why China's Actions Matter for India

India's focus on Bhutan is directly linked to Chinese expansionism:

Belt and Road Initiative: China seeks to expand influence across the Indian subcontinent

Border disputes: China maintains territorial claims not only against Bhutan but also against India (LAC dispute)

Regional dominance: China aims to encircle India through strategic partnerships and territorial assertions

Siliguri Corridor vulnerability: Control or disruption of this corridor would isolate India's northeastern states

India's Strategic Response

India's multi-faceted approach includes:

Bilateral engagement: Strengthening India-Bhutan ties to prevent Chinese infiltration

Defense cooperation: Providing military support and security guarantees to Bhutan

Economic integration: Joint hydroelectric projects and development initiatives

Diplomatic coordination: Supporting Bhutan in international forums on border and sovereignty issues

Regional connectivity: Developing infrastructure projects linking India and Bhutan

India-Bhutan Cooperation Framework

Key Areas of Collaboration

Recent Bilateral Agreements

Enhanced defense cooperation protocols

Joint development initiatives for border regions

Technology transfer agreements

Capacity building in agriculture and rural development

Digital connectivity projects

Exam-Relevant Key Takeaways

Important Facts to Remember:

India-Bhutan Friendship Agreement signed in 1949

Formal diplomatic relations established in 1968

India shares a 699-kilometer border with Bhutan

Doklam is a tri-junction point where India, Bhutan, and China borders meet

The 2017 Doklam standoff lasted 73 days (June-August)

Doklam is located near the strategically critical Siliguri Corridor (Chicken Neck)

PM Modi received Bhutan's highest civilian honor, becoming the first foreign citizen to do so

China's continued expansionist pressure makes India-Bhutan ties increasingly important for regional stability

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

UPSC Relevance

India-Bhutan relations are consistently featured in UPSC examinations due to their multifaceted importance:

For UPSC Prelims:

Expect direct factual questions on India-Bhutan agreements, border details, and geographical data

Questions on the Doklam dispute and strategic locations like Siliguri Corridor are high-probability topics

Current affairs updates on PM Modi's visits often appear in preliminary exams

For UPSC Mains:

GS-II (International Relations): Detailed essays on India's strategic partnerships, regional diplomacy, and China's expansionist policies

GS-III (Security): Analysis of India's border management, strategic depth, and defense cooperation frameworks

Answer writing should connect India-Bhutan relations to broader geopolitical strategies and India's "neighborhood first" policy

Relevance for Other Competitive Exams

SSC (CGL, CHSL, MTS): Current affairs sections feature India-Bhutan bilateral relations

Banking exams: General awareness sections include international relations and regional developments

State Civil Services: Regional and national security aspects relevant to northeastern India

Broader Learning Connections

Understanding India-Bhutan relations helps aspirants grasp:

India's regional strategy: How India manages smaller neighbors and balances geopolitical pressures

Chinese assertiveness: Pattern of Chinese expansionism affecting multiple countries

Strategic autonomy: How India maintains independent foreign policy despite external pressures

Border management: Complexities of managing multiple disputed borders in the Himalayan region

Development diplomacy: How economic cooperation strengthens political partnerships

Study Tips for Aspirants

Create a timeline of India-Bhutan relations from 1949 to present

Map out key locations: Doklam, Siliguri Corridor, tri-junction points, and border areas

Compare disputes: Analyze how India handles the Doklam dispute versus the Ladakh LAC dispute

Geopolitical connections: Link India-Bhutan ties to broader Indo-Pacific strategy and QUAD initiatives

Case study approach: Use India-Bhutan relations as a model for India's successful small-neighbor diplomacy

Related Articles to Explore

For comprehensive exam preparation, connect this article with:

India's "Neighborhood First" Policy and its implementation

LAC dispute: Understanding India-China border tensions

Siliguri Corridor: Strategic importance for India's northeast

China's Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on South Asia

India's strategic partnerships: QUAD, BIMSTEC, and regional alliances

Defense cooperation agreements: India's bilateral and multilateral frameworks

Conclusion

India-Bhutan relations represent a cornerstone of India's regional strategy in an increasingly multipolar world. As China's assertiveness grows, India's commitment to its smaller neighbors becomes ever more critical. PM Modi's emphasis on making Bhutan his first destination after assuming office twice demonstrates the priority accorded to this relationship. For UPSC and competitive exam aspirants, understanding these nuanced bilateral relations, the Doklam dispute, and their strategic implications is essential for scoring well in both prelims and mains examinations.

Keep tracking India-Bhutan developments for your daily current affairs preparation with Atharva Examwise—your trusted companion in UPSC and competitive exam success.