New Delhi: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck began his eight-day visit to India today, Friday, November 3, 2023. The trip comes amid a renewed push by Bhutan and China for an early settlement of their lingering boundary dispute.
The King’s visit to India is significant for a number of reasons. First, it is a sign of the close ties between the two nations. The two countries have a long history of friendship and cooperation, and they share a number of strategic interests. Second, the visit comes at a time when Bhutan is facing increasing pressure from China. China has been trying to expand its influence in the mountain country and has been putting pressure on it to settle the boundary dispute in its favor.
The King’s visit to India is likely to focus on a number of issues, including; India and Bhutan’s close security ties. India provides Bhutan with military assistance and training. The two countries also cooperate on intelligence sharing. Moreover, India is its largest development and trading partner. India provides Bhutan with financial assistance and technical expertise for a variety of projects, including hydropower, infrastructure, and education.
The King’s visit is also likely to focus on the boundary dispute between Bhutan and China. The dispute has been ongoing for decades, and it has been a source of tension between the two countries. In recent years, China has become more aggressive in its efforts to settle the dispute in its favor.
In 2017, China and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreeing to resolve the boundary dispute through dialogue. However, there has been little progress since then. China is reportedly demanding that Bhutan cede territory to it.
Bhutan is reluctant to make any concessions to China. It knows that if it gives up territory to China, it will be difficult to resist future Chinese demands. It is also concerned that China will use any concessions to build roads and military installations in the disputed territory.
India has a vested interest in the boundary dispute between two of its neighbouring nations. India does not want to see China expand its influence in Bhutan. India knows that if China gains control of the disputed territory, it will be able to threaten India’s strategic interests in the region.
It is likely that India will offer Bhutan support in its negotiations with China. India may also offer to provide Bhutan with additional security assistance.
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