MEA study shows that anti-India sentiments are fast taking root in the Himalayan nation.
With the increasing democratisation, communists consolidating their position, coupled with “sub-standard” works of Indian contractors, is costing India its long-term and the closest ally in South Asia. The tiny Himalayan nation Bhutan is increasing moving away from it.
A joint study conducted by the ministry of external affairs and Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis, released here on Friday by foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai discusses a potential shift in Bhutan’s foreign policy, having far reaching impact on India’s strategic and political interests.
The authors of the study, who visited and interacted host of people in Bhutan sensed that anti-India sentiments were taking roots in the country. The country’s intellectual and political class were discussing to open similar vistas for China to maintain equilibrium with India.
Bhutanese media has been playing up the technical and quality problems associated with Indian projects and the developmental assistance.
Recently the Tala hydel project faced problems with four runners worth Nu280 million showing cracks. Also, a 500 MW high voltage cable worth Nu 40 million failed after being installed. Further, Indian projects have been reporting increasing sedimentation and design flaws.
The internal pressures from the National Assembly of Bhutan are also pacing up to resolve the border dispute with China. “There are already concerns on the Indian side over increasing Chinese foray into Bhutanese territory and efforts to engage Bhutan at various for a in the past years. China has so far built 6 roads closer to Bhutan’s border towns in the north and northwest,” says the joint MEA-IDSA study.
Further Chinese companies have been given a contract to construct the world’s tallest Buddha statue in Thimpu. And as counter to India, Beijing is exporting farming and telecommunication equipment and has also offered to invest in projects related to health and education services.
Though Bhutan has so far refrained from engaging Pakistan, the study says, this might change in near future.
Politically more worrisome for India is the Communist Party consolidating its base in southern part of country and the apprehension of vote bank politics forcing the country to settle border dispute with China, as it impedes the development of Northwest Bhutan. The study points out public resentment regarding the location of Indian Army Military Training Team in a fort in Haa district. Since forts serve as administrative headquarters and monastic bodies across Bhutan, locals have been unhappy at this structure been handed over to the Indian Army.
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