2.1. Background and Evolution

♤ From 1949 onwards the relations were governed by a Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949. Article 2 of the treaty was significant wherein “the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations.”

♤ Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the appointment of a resident representative of India in Thimphu.

♤ The Kingdom of Bhutan was admitted as a member of the United Nations on 21st September 1971.

♤ The first democratic elections in Bhutan began in 2007

♤ The Indian-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, which was signed in New Delhi on 8th February 2007, has come into force following the exchange of Instruments of Ratification between the two governments in Thimphu on 2nd March 2007.

♤ In the revised treaty of 2007, Article 2 was replaced with: “In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.” The 2007 Treaty has begun a new era in bilateral cooperation.

♤ On June 21, 2012, during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations Rio+ 20 conference, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley for the first time.

♤ In June-July 2013 LPG and Kerosene subsidy withdrawal by India marked a brief episode of acrimony in the relationship.