As Bhutan and India reaffirm ties, China looms large

Tiny Himalayan nation said to be close to resolving border disputes with Beijing

- Nirmala Ganapathy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the “unique ties of friendship and cooperation” between his country and Bhutan when meeting King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday evening.

But while the declaration seemed like routine diplomatic parlance between the two neighbouring countries, analysts noted its significance in the backdrop of China trying to gain a foothold in Bhutan.

The tiny Himalayan nation of 700,000, wedged between China and India, is the only country in South Asia where Beijing does not have a presence or formal diplomatic ties.

But that could change with Bhutan said to be close to resolving disputes on its western and northern borders with China, which is also pushing for the establishment of formal diplomatic ties.

India views South Asia as its zone of influence, but has had to contend with the rising Chinese presence in the region, built up through a mix of diplomacy, financial aid and economic linkages.

Despite criticism that it is pushing nations into a debt trap, China remains influential in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, even as it has been making inroads into Bangladesh. In the Maldives, Beijing recently got a boost with a regime seen to be China-friendly coming to power.