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India releases hold on Bhutan

India has taken the first step in correcting an imbalance in its relations with Bhutan and gave a clear signal to Nepal that a course correction is also due there.

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Thimphu can conduct its foreign, defence policies without Delhi’s approval

NEW DELHI: After being regarded as a regional bully by many of its neighbours, India is all set for an image make over.

On Thursday, India took the first step in correcting a historical imbalance in its relations with Bhutan and gave a clear signal to Nepal that a course correction is also due there.

PM Manmohan Singh and Bhutan’s young monarch Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck signed a friendship treaty, which would restore the Dragon Kingdom’s right to conduct its foreign and defence policies without New Delhi’s approval.

Bhutan had signed a friendship treaty in 1949, which was one-sided in favour of India. The terms of the old treaty virtually allowed Delhi to keep a guardian’s eye on Thimpu, with the King having little say in defence and foreign policy.

A resurgent Bhutan is taking steps towards democracy with a constitutional monarch at the helm. With this, Bhutan’s right to decide its own destiny has to be acknowledged by India.

Much of this had to do with New Delhi’s fears about Chinese moves in Bhutan. But now with Indo-china relations improving, its time to loosen hold on Bhutan.

Bhutan was unhappy about the earlier arrangement. It had made clear that the time had come to ensure that Delhi’s advise on defence and foreign relations should be non-biding.

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