RAW and Bhutan’s foreign relations
Around 8,000 sq km of land in northern border of the country was ceded to China some year back (during the reign of King Jigme Singye). Even after that Chinese presence in northern Bhutan did not go off. And this has sparked heated debate in Indian parliament. However, the Bhutanese parliament remained silent, except one question to which home minister replied talks are underway to finalise the border issue.
King Jigme Khesar met with Indian foreign intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Sanjeev Tripathi on Tuesday to discuss this ‘Chinese Intrusion’. They had almost two-hour one-to-one talk, according to reports. Ironically, Chinese intrusion in Bhutan is matter of concern for India not for Bhutan.
Indian authorities first know Chinese activities in Bhutan’s northern border with Tibet. For months, Bhutanese authorities remain without information. What China did in Bhutanese villages – Bhutanese authorities have to seek information from Indian government. This reflects the level of Indian presence in Bhutan.
We are aware that 100,000 Indian army personnel are stationed in Thimphu and northern borders. Besides, last year’s figure show over 83,000 Indians now work in Bhutan in various capacities. How many of them are disguised officials of RAW?
During this first visit to India as King, Jigme Khesar revised old treaty with southern neighbour whereby India will no more advise Bhutan on matter of its foreign relations. According to earlier treaty, Bhutan agreed to seek Indian advise on foreign matters while Indian agreed not to interfere in internal matters of Bhutan.
Now, external relations are not a big issue for India. It has diverted its concentration in internal matters – especially to avoid Chinese presence in Bhutan. In reverse, initiatives in recent years by Chinese government show that they are making all efforts to reach out to places where Indian intelligence has big presence.
Under Indian pressure, Bhutan announced it would not have any diplomatic relations with UN permanent members. It came shortly after Chinese bargaining either to cede the land or establish relation. Like in Arunchal Pradesh, Chinese soldiers have started coming down to Bhutanese villages, distribute foods and other daily utilities to instigate public support in favour of China.
The matter has been secretly discussed in India this time. Obviously, as talks were kept secret, results are too. This is unusual talk.
New Delhi is compelling Bhutan to say China is sensitive issue. However, if Bhutan initiates to establish diplomatic relations with China, all doubts and fears would vanish. Indian is making it complicated, as it fears Bhutan-China relation might diminish its influences in Bhutan. But in long-term interest, Bhutan cannot keep a relation of enmity with one neighbour while attaching so much to other.
China’s might, its claim over Tibet, and not wanting to rattle India by befriending China are all part of current Bhutanese foreign policy.
While Tripathi, an old hand in India’s external intelligence agency, is expected to provide the Bhutanese King with inputs on the activities in the region by Beijing, New Delhi will also be looking at getting a sense of Pakistan trying to expand its footprint in the Himalayan country. Recently, Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to Dhaka, Afrasiab, visited Bhutan’s King and sought to expand the relations with Thimphu. That infuriated India again raising question where Bhutan has received freedom in making decision on its own with regards to foreign relations.
Besides, while in Delhi King Jigme Khesar met with President Pratibha Patel, Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Finance Minister Pranav Mukherjee, Army chief Vijay Kumar Singh and BJP President Nitin Gadkari among others.