BHUTAN

In what way do you think is Bhutan of help to India? What are the bilateral
relations of India-Bhutan? What were the recent agreements that they signed
during the PMs visit?
Bhutan-India relations are governed by a friendship treaty that was renegotiated only in
2007. India has also provided financial assistance to its tiny neighbours five-year development
plans since 1961, last year committing Rs.4,500 crore for the period up to 2018. The gamut of ties
between the two countries covers cooperation and investment in infrastructure development,
health, education and most significantly, hydropower projects.
Beijing was willing to complete border demarcation with Bhutan at an early date. Both sides
have held many rounds of talks on the issue, without coming close to a resolution. Chinese
territorial claims in western Bhutan are close to the Siliguri Corridor, also known as Chickens
Neck, the narrow strip of land that connects West Bengal to northeastern India. China is also
interested in establishing formal ties with Thimphu, where it does not yet have a diplomatic
mission despite a nearly 500-km shared border with Bhutan.
Bhutans major exports are transferred via the Siliguri corridor or through Assam. Their physical
imports are also routed this way. Hence, maintaing good relations in the region is of utmost
importance to Bhutan.
Tourism is an area of great potential. The sheer diversity of the Northeast can be marketed and
segmented in different ways. A big push could be given to the Buddhist circuit covering Bodh
Gaya, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
Flanked by Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, the Northeast too can boldly go forward to
develop a robust policy of development and trade.
During the visit, the two sides reiterated an important clause in the 2007 Treaty neither side
will allow its territory to be used for purposes inimical to the other.
He proposed that Bhutan and all the Himalayan states of India, particularly north-eastern states,
should organize joint sports events and devise packages for common circuit tourism.
India plans to create an e-library network in Bhutan & we would double scholarships being
given to students of Bhutan, he wrote.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan does not share her boundary with India, but its importance and hence our
engagement with this country is no way lesser than our immediate neighbours.

Interests
1. Afghanistan is the gateway to Central and West Asia. Since West Asia is key to Indias
energy security, the option of oil pipeline through Afghanistan is always there. A land
route through Afghanistan to West and Central Asia, like the ancient time, will boost
Indias trading fortune manifold.
2. The rich mineral resources of Afghanistan also attracts our attention. Not only that
Central Asia holds many mineral of our vital interest such as uranium to fuel our nuclear
power plants etc. Due to past civilisational and cultural links and suffering at the hand of
common neighbor, bring them closer for cooperation.
3. India needs a stable Afghanistan as a counter to terrorism in Pakistan. Afghanistan can
provide strategic locations for Indian military bases to counter threats arising from
Pakistan.
4. India will also benefit from the trade and tourism with Afghanistan. Already the
governments of the two nations have begun the process of signing contracts in these
fields.
Concerns
1.

India is concerned that post 2014 US exit the nation may fall into a period of great
turmoil. India is also concerned about the terror funding and extra terrestrial support
to terrorism. This is detrimental to Indian interests.

2. India is equally worried about its investments in afghan due to terror threats.

This war-torn country now badly needs stability, development, governance and above all
security. But the later aspect is bleak, considering withdrawal of ISAF forces by the end of
2014. The under trained, under funded and ill equipped Afghan security forces cant
confront the n=renewed Taliban onslaught. This will have a negative bearing on India
supported reconstruction program.
A strong Afghanistan will be able to check and destroy the Taliban menace.Two strong
and mutually friendly nations desiring peace on both sides of the border will also force
Pakistan to fall in line.
***
Afghanistan doesnt have the defence it needs to fight proxy-terror groups and said
India and Afghanistan must strengthen their strategic cooperation.
negotiations over the TAPI gas pipeline from Turkmenistan, but said security is a prerequisite for any economic integration.

In December 2013, Afghanistan put in a wish list with India, including requests for
tanks, helicopters and ground vehicles, which Delhi had politely turned down. Instead
India supported infrastructure projects and provided military training to Afghan troops
and police forces in India itself.
Sources said this was a result of Indias desire not to upset Pakistan with overt military
help that may be construed as interference in Afghanistan.