Region 
 

Thimphu

Paradigm Shift

Thinking beyond India, Bhutan is now better equipped to engage in international diplomacy, broaden its network of foreign allies, and shape its destiny on its own.

By Gulnaz Nawaz | July 2023


Bhutan has a long history of close relationships with its neighbours, notably India. The Himalayan Mountains pass through some geographically-connected regions that play a significant role in fostering economic and cultural exchange between the countries in the Himalayan region. This interaction is very critical to the growth of Bhutan’s cultural and economic institutions because it promotes mutual understanding and harmony in the region. The ascendancy of the Wangchuck dynasty to power in Bhutan was a turning point in the development of the nation. Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first hereditary monarch, ushered in a new era.

As a consequence, the economic, cultural and diplomatic connections between Bhutan and India developed in new ways. The connection between both countries has progressed from a treaty made during the British colonial period to present-day. Bhutan’s development in its almost all spheres would not have been possible without India’s help, investment, and knowledge transfer. Both nations share many interests, including military training, trade and cultural exchange, as well as regional stability.

Being its closest neighbour and greatest commercial partner, India has played a crucial role in Bhutan’s infrastructure, economic and social development over the years. New Delhi has provided substantial help and grants for Thimphu’s economic growth. Agriculture, medicine, education, and technology are just some of the fields where Indian and Bhutanese specialists are working together. Bhutan’s capacity-building and human resource development have benefited from this sharing of information and skills. In addition to helping Bhutan become energy independent, the hydropower projects, which were constructed with Indian aid, have brought in much-needed money to small Himalayan country. This partnership has bolstered Bhutan’s economy and laid the groundwork for the country’s long-term growth.

Thanks to the military training support and security expertise and assistance offered by New Delhi, the people of Bhutan may rest assured that their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be protected. The cooperation has made it possible to foster a prosperous commercial relationship between the two countries. The spectrum of commodities and services traded between Bhutan and India is extensive. Bhutan’s closeness to India’s massive consumer market has opened up substantial economic prospects, boosting exports and investments, and creating new jobs.

Bhutan has been quite vocal about its independence and sovereignty in recent years. While Bhutan still values its close relationship with India, it has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy that gives it more control over its own future. The drive for diplomatic parity in Bhutan is behind the country’s newfound emphasis on national sovereignty. The kingdom has been working to change its status as a helpless receiver and have a voice in international decision-making. One of Bhutan’s primary foreign policy tenets is the country’s commitment to the ideals of sovereignty, non-interference, and equality. Bhutan is seeking greater independence from international organizations for many reasons.

To begin with, as a newly independent nation, Bhutan is eager to increase its grip and influence over its own foreign policy, economic decisions, and regional involvement. This change reflects Bhutan’s maturation as a country and its growing confidence in its capacity to negotiate and grapple with the intricate international scene. Further, Bhutan may be able to better protect its national interests by reducing its reliance on any one nation and increasing its network of friends and allies abroad. Bhutan’s economic growth and development will be boosted by increasing the breadth of its diplomatic relations with other countries. This would allow the country to take advantage of more trade, investment, and collaboration potential. Bhutan must strike a balance between preserving its cultural traditions, safeguarding its geographic integrity and modernizing its economy. It has always been one of Bhutan’s highest priorities to protect its rich cultural heritage from the word go.


The government of Bhutan is working hard to maintain a healthy balance between economic growth and cultural preservation. As Bhutan deepens its international ties, the country will be looking to attract investments and advance vital industries and areas like tourism, renewable energy, and sustainable growth. This is being done in accordance with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) ideology, which is a development framework that prioritizes people’s overall happiness and the maintenance of their cultural traditions.

Bhutan values quality above quantity when it comes to tourism since it is committed to maintaining its cultural legacy and terrestrial diversity. To protect its pristine nature and distinct cultural traditions, the nation strictly regulates the inflow of visitors and implements a high-value, low-impact tourism approach.

Bhutan has made a concerted effort to broaden its diplomatic relations with other countries since it abandoned its previous exclusive dependence on India. Bhutan has aggressively cultivated bilateral connections with nations outside its immediate borders in order to reap the advantages of a more balanced foreign policy. Economic and cultural interchange, as well as political discourse, have been the primary goals of Bhutan’s diplomatic outreach. The kingdom has made efforts to send diplomatic representatives abroad, send high-ranking officials on official trips, and send representatives to international conferences and forums. By establishing new connections, Bhutan seeks to broaden its horizons, get access to new areas of knowledge, and explore possible areas of collaboration.

Finally, ending its reliance on India is a major achievement in Bhutan’s pursuit of independence.

Since diversifying its diplomatic links with countries other than India, Bhutan has seen rapid economic growth. Despite its sluggish and cautious diplomatic efforts, it has made tremendous progress in developing its overseas connections. Bhutan has diplomatic relations with a number of countries, such as the United States, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These diplomatic ties pave the way for deeper collaboration in many fields, including arts, economy, and education. Bhutan’s diplomacy has not been restricted to its immediate neighbours, reflecting the nation’s aim to raise its profile internationally and reap the benefits of a diverse set of partnerships.

Finally, ending its reliance on India is a major achievement in Bhutan’s pursuit of independence. Because of this paradigm shift, Bhutan is now better equipped to engage in international diplomacy, broaden its network of foreign allies, and shape its destiny on its own. Bhutan recognizes the need to maintain close ties with India even as it moves towards a more independent foreign policy. Due to common history, geographical proximity, and interdependent economies, India is an essential strategic partner. To increase its economic potential, scientific knowledge, and international power, Bhutan employs a multifaceted approach, cultivating diplomatic links with a diverse range of nations. When dealing with the tensions between national sovereignty and the need for regional collaboration, Bhutan needs to strike a middle ground.

Maintaining cultural traditions and fundamental values while seeking economic development requires a careful balancing act between expressing sovereignty and participating in regional cooperation. Thinking beyond India is a big step for Bhutan, as it cements its position as a global player. It can increase its economic development, information sharing, and diplomatic influence by expanding its network of foreign links. Bhutan, however, remains dedicated to its values of sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and holistic well-being during this transition. Bhutan aspires to play a leading role as a global citizen by advocating for and supporting sustainable development aimed at improving the lives of its people and the world at large.

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