Bhutanese King's India visit has a message from China too

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck started his 8-day visit to India on November 3 and arrived in New Delhi, via Assam, on Sunday, November 5.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the monarch's visit offers an opportunity for both parties to evaluate the entire spectrum of bilateral collaboration and further enhance the outstanding bilateral partnership across various sectors.

While a closer look at recent developments from the Bhutanese Foreign Office reveals that the visit carries not just the weight of bilateral relations but also conveys a subtle message, involving China. As the Bhutanese King arrived in New Delhi to a warm reception from India, the timing of his visit holds deeper implications.

Bhutan-China Talks

• Bhutan has recently been involved in crucial border discussions with China, raising concerns in New Delhi.
• The 25th round of bilateral border talks between Bhutan and China took place in Beijing recently, with the Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji expressing Bhutan's sincere desire to swiftly settle the Sino-Bhutanese border dispute and establish diplomatic relations with China.
• This unexpected turn of events caught India off guard as none of the UN permanent members have a diplomatic relationship with the Himalayan Kingdom, and China might be the first one.
• While the talks between Bhutan and China were on hold for seven years following the Doklam standoff in 2017, it is now clear that both nations have actively engaged during this period.
• In 2021, they unveiled a "three-step roadmap" to progress in border discussions, including formal demarcation.

Bhutan's situation has always been deemed "self-isolation," and the country is now signalling its intention to selectively open up and prsue a dynamic foreign policy.

Sino-Bhutan border disputes

• Apart from the much-discussed Doklam plateau at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan, both countries have a few more points of contention.
• China, during the COVID-induced lockdown, renewed its assertion on the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, in Eastern Bhutan, which shares a border with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
• China also claims some of Bhutan's territory in the North at Kulakhari, Baiyu, and Minjiuma.

Bhutan aims for more projects

• The visit holds significance due to Bhutan's ambitious project in Gelephu on its border with Assam, aiming to come up with an international airport and the first India-Bhutan rail link, fostering connectivity, infrastructure and economic development.
• Bhutan is reportedly seeking India's involvement in this project.

India's concerns

• India's primary concern revolves around the strategic implications of Bhutan normalising relations with China.
• India is apprehensive about the potential for China to exert pressure on Bhutan to cede control over the Doklam plateau.
• The rapid progress in border settlement talks between Bhutan and China is a cause for heightened concern.

As Bhutan takes significant steps in its relations with China, it sends a subtle message to India that it is ready to engage in regional initiatives while maintaining its unique identity and characteristics. Hence, to resolve at least a couple of border issues, India would be needed at the table too.