Region 
 

Thimphu

Himalayan Triangle

Bhutan, tucked between China and India, navigates challenges and opportunities through sovereignty, diplomacy, economic self-reliance, and strategic relationships.

By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar | May 2024


In the shadow of the South Asian giants China and India, the small kingdom of Bhutan finds itself in an unwarranted position. Following its fourth parliamentary elections and the subsequent swearing-in of a new government in January, Bhutan’s leadership faces the daunting task of balancing the competing interests of its two nuclear-armed neighbors. With no official diplomatic relations with China and a “special relationship” with India, Bhutan finds itself in a limited strategic space to pursue any decision or act. However, the triangular relationship between Bhutan, China, and India is far from simple, as it presents unique challenges and opportunities for this Himalayan nation.

Bhutan’s geopolitical dilemma is linked to its geographic location and historical ties. The kingdom is nestled between the world’s two most populous countries, and its sovereignty and national interests are deeply entangled with the actions and aspirations of its neighbours. With its growing economic and military power, China extends its influence to the north, while India has been exerting a significant impact due to historical, cultural, and economic ties. Bhutan’s status can be seen as a buffer state, which adds another layer of complexity to its relationships with both countries. Bhutan’s ability to navigate this problematic geostrategic track must be appreciated. Despite its size and limited resources, Bhutan has been exercising skill and diplomacy to balance the competing interests of China and India.

The principle of sovereignty and independence is at the center of Bhutan’s foreign policy. Despite its closeness to the two powers of South Asia, Bhutan has maintained a steadfast commitment to preserving its autonomy and self-determination. This sends a clear message to both China and India that Bhutan will not be coerced or manipulated into serving their interests at the expense of its own and will not become a part of any such action that may put Bhutan into a crisis.

In this triangular relationship, Bhutan’s special relationship with India has remained a keystone of its foreign policy since the two countries established formal diplomatic ties in 1968. India has provided crucial economic and military assistance to Bhutan, helping to support its development and security needs. By strengthening its relations with India, Bhutan can leverage this relationship to counterbalance the influence of China and enhance its strategic position in the region. It is yet to be seen if China can present a counter to this nexus that India and Bhutan have formed.


Moreover, given its limited strategic space, Bhutan has adopted a policy of non-alignment and neutrality in international affairs. By refraining from aligning with either China or India, Bhutan maintains its independence and avoids being drawn into conflicts or power struggles between its neighbours, which would not bode well for its sovereignty in the long run. This stance also allows Bhutan to engage with both countries on its terms without becoming entangled in their geopolitical rivalries.

Furthermore, engaging in diplomatic dialogue is crucial to presenting clear agreement terms with the other party. In the case of diplomatic affairs, effective communication and dialogue remain essential tools for Bhutan in managing its relationships with China and India. By maintaining open communication channels with both countries, Bhutan addresses concerns, resolves disputes, and builds trust over time. While India remains Bhutan’s primary ally and partner, Thimphu can benefit from diversifying its diplomatic relations beyond the region. By engaging with a broader range of countries and international organizations, Bhutan can reduce its dependence on China and India and strengthen its position on the global stage.

Bhutan can begin cultivating ties with countries with similar values and interests to provide Thimphu additional support and leverage in its dealings with its neighbours. Over-reliance on a limited number of allies can be risky, especially in a volatile geopolitical landscape. By building relationships with countries outside the region, Bhutan can reduce its vulnerability to any shifts or tensions that may arise in its immediate neighbourhood.

Moreover, overly relying on China and India may also limit Bhutan’s diplomatic flexibility. Diversifying diplomatic relations can mitigate the risk of being overly dependent on any single country. Engaging with a broader range of countries opens up opportunities for Bhutan in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and technology. Building global alliances can also help Bhutan achieve support and collaboration on critical issues such as environmental conservation, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.

Read More