Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. The Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship between India and Bhutan was signed in:
- a) 1947
- b) 1949
- c) 1950
- d) 1952
Answer: b) 1949
Explanation: The treaty established close friendship; Bhutan was guided by India in external affairs.
Q2. The 2007 revision of the 1949 India–Bhutan Treaty gave Bhutan:
- a) More territory
- b) Autonomy in foreign policy
- c) Nuclear cooperation rights
- d) Free trade with ASEAN
Answer: b) Autonomy in foreign policy
Explanation: Bhutan gained more independence in foreign policy, while cooperation with India continued.
Q3. The Doklam standoff of 2017 was related to:
- a) Nepal–Bhutan boundary
- b) India–Pakistan LoC
- c) India–China–Bhutan tri-junction
- d) Arunachal Pradesh border
Answer: c) India–China–Bhutan tri-junction
Explanation: China attempted road construction in Doklam near the tri-junction.
Q4. Which corridor’s security was threatened during the Doklam standoff?
- a) Khyber Pass
- b) Malacca Strait
- c) Siliguri Corridor
- d) Nathu La Pass
Answer: c) Siliguri Corridor
Explanation: Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) connects India’s northeast with rest of the country.
Q5. Which hydropower project is jointly developed by India in Bhutan?
- a) Mangdechhu
- b) Teesta
- c) Rihand
- d) Hirakud
Answer: a) Mangdechhu
Explanation: Mangdechhu, along with Chukha and Tala, are major India-assisted projects in Bhutan.
Q6. The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) is stationed in:
- a) Nepal
- b) Bhutan
- c) Sri Lanka
- d) Maldives
Answer: b) Bhutan
Explanation: IMTRAT helps train Bhutanese armed forces.
Q7. India–Bhutan joint military exercise is known as:
- a) Mitra Shakti
- b) Surya Kiran
- c) Yudh Abhyas
- d) None of the above
Answer: d) None of the above
Explanation: Surya Kiran is India–Nepal; India–Bhutan exercise is IMTRAT-supported training.
Q8. Bhutan’s economy depends heavily on:
- a) Oil exports
- b) Hydropower exports
- c) Tourism from Europe
- d) Textile industry
Answer: b) Hydropower exports
Explanation: Bhutan exports surplus electricity to India.
Q9. India provides a petroleum pipeline to Bhutan from:
- a) Assam to Thimphu
- b) Siliguri to Paro
- c) Motihari to Amlekhgunj
- d) Patna to Phuentsholing
Answer: c) Motihari to Amlekhgunj
Explanation: First cross-border petroleum pipeline in South Asia.
Q10. Which of the following is NOT true about India–Bhutan relations?
- a) They share Buddhist cultural ties.
- b) They have serious bilateral border disputes.
- c) India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner.
- d) India assists in Bhutan’s hydropower projects.
Answer: b) They have serious bilateral border disputes.
Explanation: India and Bhutan have no direct disputes; China factor is the concern.
Long Answer Questions
Q: Trace the historical background of India–Bhutan relations.
Answer:
India–Bhutan relations are rooted in deep cultural, religious, and historical ties. Both nations share a strong connection through Buddhism, with Bhutan following the Mahayana tradition linked to ancient Indian monasteries like Nalanda. Over centuries, pilgrimages, festivals, and cultural exchanges built a foundation of trust and goodwill.
In the modern era, after India’s independence in 1947, Bhutan sought to secure its sovereignty while building strong ties with its southern neighbor. This culminated in the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship (1949). The treaty provided that Bhutan would be guided by India in its external affairs, while India pledged not to interfere in Bhutan’s internal matters. This created a unique bond where Bhutan retained domestic independence but aligned with India strategically.
In 2007, the treaty was revised to reflect changing times and Bhutan’s growing confidence in foreign policy. The revised agreement allowed Bhutan greater autonomy in external relations while reinforcing close cooperation in national security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
Thus, from spiritual links to formal treaties, India–Bhutan relations have evolved into a partnership based on trust, respect, and shared security interests.
Q: Discuss the significance of hydropower cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Answer:
Hydropower forms the cornerstone of India–Bhutan relations and is central to Bhutan’s economic development. Blessed with abundant river systems due to its Himalayan terrain, Bhutan has the capacity to generate over 30,000 MW of hydroelectricity, though only a fraction has been harnessed so far.
Since the 1980s, India has partnered with Bhutan to develop major hydropower projects such as Chukha (336 MW), Tala (1020 MW), Kurichhu (60 MW), and Mangdechhu (720 MW). These projects were financed, built, and maintained with Indian assistance, under models where India provided loans and grants. In return, Bhutan sells surplus electricity to India at mutually agreed rates.
This cooperation is mutually beneficial. For Bhutan, hydropower exports account for a major share of government revenue and GDP, making it the backbone of the economy. For India, the arrangement provides access to clean, renewable energy, helping meet its growing electricity demand while supporting regional energy security.
Beyond economics, hydropower ties also symbolize strategic interdependence. Regular collaboration in energy creates goodwill, strengthens infrastructure connectivity, and ensures Bhutan remains closely tied to India rather than falling under the influence of other powers like China.
Q: Explain the Doklam standoff of 2017 and its importance for India.
Answer:
The Doklam standoff of 2017 marked one of the most significant security challenges in recent India–China relations, directly involving Bhutan. Doklam is a plateau located at the India–China–Bhutan tri-junction, claimed by both Bhutan and China. In June 2017, the Chinese Army attempted to extend a road into Bhutanese territory in Doklam, which was strongly opposed by Bhutan.
India, bound by its security partnership and friendship treaty with Bhutan, intervened to prevent Chinese road construction. Indian troops crossed into Doklam and engaged in a face-off with Chinese soldiers. The standoff lasted 73 days, with both sides maintaining a high military presence. Eventually, disengagement was achieved through diplomatic negotiations.
For India, Doklam holds immense strategic importance because of its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, often called the “Chicken’s Neck.” This narrow strip of land connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. If China were to gain a vantage point over this corridor, India’s territorial integrity and connectivity could be severely threatened in a conflict scenario.
The incident also highlighted Bhutan’s geopolitical vulnerability and its dependence on India for security. The standoff reinforced India’s commitment to protecting Bhutan’s sovereignty while signaling to China that any encroachment near critical security zones would not be tolerated.
Q: What are the major challenges in India–Bhutan relations?
Answer:
Although India–Bhutan relations are often described as problem-free, several challenges and concerns have emerged in recent years that require careful handling.
Firstly, the China factor looms large. China has territorial claims on Bhutan’s northern and western borders and is actively negotiating with Bhutan to settle their boundary disputes. Any compromise by Bhutan that strengthens China’s position near the Siliguri Corridor would have serious security implications for India.
Secondly, Bhutan faces economic dependence on India. Its economy is heavily reliant on India for trade, transit, aid, and hydropower revenue. While beneficial, this dependence sometimes creates resentment within Bhutanese society, where some voices demand diversification of economic partners.
Thirdly, youth migration and employment challenges in Bhutan affect relations indirectly. Many Bhutanese youth migrate abroad for education and jobs, reducing reliance on India and exposing Bhutan to other influences.
Fourthly, the environmental impact of hydropower projects and delayed construction timelines create friction, as Bhutan seeks sustainable growth while India prioritizes energy needs.
Lastly, geopolitical balancing is becoming difficult for Bhutan. While it values India’s friendship, Bhutan is also cautious about not antagonizing China, which has been offering infrastructure and economic incentives.
Q: Suggest measures to strengthen India–Bhutan relations in future.
Answer:
To preserve the special friendship with Bhutan and adapt to emerging challenges, India needs to adopt a multi-dimensional strategy.
Firstly, India should diversify Bhutan’s economy beyond hydropower. Sectors like information technology, digital services, organic agriculture, and eco-tourism can be developed with Indian assistance to reduce Bhutan’s over-reliance on hydropower exports.
Secondly, security cooperation must remain strong. India should continue to provide training and equipment for Bhutanese armed forces while closely coordinating on border management, especially concerning China’s claims in Doklam and northern Bhutan.
Thirdly, expanding infrastructure and connectivity projects will enhance integration. Road, rail, and energy pipelines linking Bhutan with Indian states can strengthen trade and people-to-people ties.
Fourthly, educational and cultural exchanges should be scaled up. More scholarships for Bhutanese students in Indian universities, cultural festivals, and youth engagement programs can maintain goodwill across generations.
Finally, India must balance China’s influence by remaining Bhutan’s most reliable partner, offering timely development support without strings attached. By adopting these measures, India and Bhutan can deepen their partnership, ensuring Bhutan remains a stable, friendly neighbor while India strengthens its security and strategic depth in the Himalayas.