Changing Dynamics of Indo-Bhutan Relations

Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan Kingdom in the eastern part of South Asia. The People’s Republic of China is on its north and the country is surrounded by India on its south east and west. In the early 20th century, Bhutan came into contact with the British rulers in India. After India’s de-colonization, Bhutan retained strong bilateral relations with India. The country started shifting from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy through its elections in 2008.As the process of democratization takes root in Bhutan it has started to change Indo centric foreign policy. Existence of domestic pressure compelled Bhutan to establish limited economic ties with China. And in the recent Doklam Crisis Bhutan played a role of sovereign state and request both India and China withdraw army and bring back normalcy in the region.

Keywords:
Bhutan, India, Post Independent India, Establishment of Democrac, Foreign Policy, Doklam crisis.