A new beginning
Bhutan-Nepal relations go back to the days of Shabrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was a profound, sublime and symbiotic relation. History tells us how Bhutan helped Prithivi Narayan Shah in unifying Nepal, who in return gave the Bhutanese complete authority over all Gompas in Nepalese territory. There were postal services between the two countries, routed through Sikkim. Bhutanese and Nepalese artisans learnt from each other. The similarities between the stupa at Chendibji in Bhutan and the Boudhanath in Kathmandu embody the close ties.
Bhutan and Nepal stood out and achieved global attention mainly because of their geo-political location. Leaders of both the countries knew that strengthened relations between them would make both countries stronger. Diplomatic relations were established in June 1983. The visits of the late King Birendra in October 1988 and our Fourth King’s visit to Nepal in 1987 further strengthened diplomatic ties.
But as in tragic plays and stories the Southern uprising of 1990 in Bhutan turned the tables. As Nepal accused Bhutan of Human Rights violation and became a fertile ground for anti Bhutanese propaganda and attacks, Bhutan unveiled the concept of a Greater Nepal. Since then, developing further relations was curtailed by the Refugee issue.
The first bilateral trade talks are a silver lining not only for the people of the two countries but for the region and the world at large. Though it is a talk for free trade between the two countries, the very fact that the two parties are coming together is a welcoming sign for future cooperation in other fields. Especially so because the talks are being held as Bhutan prepares to host the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in a few days time.
We know that in today’s world, Trade stands at the top most rung of Government priorities. More trade means more money, progress and improved living standards of the people. Modern war is fought in the economic world. Military intelligence of countries like the Russian KGB no longer focuses on the White House, but the Wall Street. And more than military strength, it is China’s growing economy that disturbs Europe and the US.
Just as the issue of Kashmir impedes collaboration between India and Pakistan in many areas, the Refugee issue stalled all chances of cooperation between Bhutan and Nepal. This affected both the countries, for there was no leeway for other talks before solving the issue.
A green signal has appeared after almost two decades. There are many areas where Bhutan and Nepal can work together and learn from each other. While we may not see any concrete area, which would benefit both the countries, we cannot say that there is none. We thought the same when we started trade relations with Bangladesh. What can we export? We now know that there are hundreds of prospective areas of collaboration.
Currently, tourism and hydro power are the two common products that bring in foreign revenue for both Bhutan and Nepal. Skeptics look at Nepal as the black market for Bhutanese antiques. And they do so because they know that it is happening. Tomorrow the same skeptic could say that Nepal is the market for Bhutanese paintings, such as thankas etc. Tourists who cannot afford to visit Bhutan can buy Bhutanese products from Nepal. Our merchants who today complain about Nepalese Custom Officials harassing them will be taking gifts for these very people tomorrow.
This is just the beginning of a much needed relation between Bhutan and Nepal. A strong tie between the two countries founded on the tenets of trust and mutual understanding would not only benefit the two countries but also the region and the world.
For all said and done, Bhutan and Nepal are determinants of stability in South East Asia and thus, the rest of the world.
Bhutan Today editorial dated March 19, 2010