DNA Edit: The Thimphu Factor

As India’s neighbour, Bhutan’s importance has grown manifold after the 73-day Doklam stand-off that ended in an uneasy truce. Now, with news pouring in of a Chinese build-up in an area close to the disputed territory, Foreign secretary 

S Jaishankar’s visit to the Himalayan kingdom assumes critical importance. That the US too is alarmed by the Chinese belligerence in the plateau is evident from the acting US envoy to India, MaryKay L Carlson’s visit to Thimphu.

Both these visits in quick succession signify that Bhutan will play a key role in maintaining the status quo in South Asia. Against the backdrop of a heightened sense of security threat from Beijing, New Delhi realises the importance of engaging with both Bhutan’s monarchy and PM Tshering Tobgay in a sustained manner on multiple fronts, including “implementation of the ongoing Government of India-assisted projects... trade and economic ties, hydropower cooperation, and people to people contacts”. 

Bhutan has been India’s traditional ally, and this friendship needs to be nurtured with great care. China is least likely to cede ground even as it negotiates with Bhutan over some disputed border territories. The winter months are crucial since the People’s Liberation Army appears to have set up a base to brave the biting cold. If India can secure Bhutan’s complete confidence, it will be a strategic victory without firing a single shot.

The US, too, must deepen its engagement with the country because any disruption of normalcy in the region will have ripple effects in the South China Sea. Lastly, India needs to recalibrate its strategy towards neighbours to counter a growing Chinese threat. It cannot afford to alienate Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, whom the Chinese are wooing aggressively.