Syllabus: GS-II & V- India and its neighbours

Why in the News?

Recent high-level exchanges between Assam and Bhutan—including Bhutan’s King visiting Assam in April 2024 and the Assam Chief Minister’s visit to Bhutan—have highlighted Assam’s expanding role in strengthening Indo-Bhutan relations under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

Assam’s Strategic Role in Indo-Bhutan Relations

Assam shares a 267-km border with Bhutan, touching the districts of Udalguri, Tamulpur, Baksa, Chirang, and Kokrajhar. This border geography makes Assam a pivotal gateway for Bhutan’s connectivity, trade, and security cooperation with India.

Key Reasons for Assam’s Importance

• It is a major transit corridor for Bhutanese goods and people.
• It acts as a buffer and security frontier in India’s Northeast.
• It enables cross-border ecological conservation, especially in the Manas landscape.
• It is becoming central to emerging connectivity projects such as the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park & Kokrajhar–Gelephu (69 km, Assam–Bhutan).
  

Historical Foundations of India-Bhutan Ties

1. The 1949 Indo-Bhutan Treaty

Created the basis of the “special relationship,” giving India strategic responsibility while ensuring Bhutan’s autonomy.

2. The 2007 Revised Treaty

• Granted Bhutan the freedom to conduct independent foreign policy and procure arms
• Condition: actions must not jeopardise India’s national security
• Strengthened bilateral trust and institutional cooperation
  

3. Operation All Clear (2003)

• A critical moment where Bhutan, with India’s support, eliminated Assam-based insurgent groups (ULFA, NDFB, KLO) operating from Bhutanese soil.
  •  This operation permanently altered the security dynamic, establishing deep defence cooperation.

Strategic Significance for India

1. Security Dimensions

• Assam provides a frontline position to prevent hostile external influence in the eastern Himalayan region.
• Post-2017 Doklam standoff, Bhutan’s support to India reaffirmed the strategic closeness.
• Assam’s major bridges—Bogibeel, Dhola-Sadiya—strengthen rapid military mobility in crisis scenarios.
  

2. The Siliguri Corridor Factor

• Assam’s stability is essential to protect the narrow Chicken’s Neck, the lifeline connecting mainland India to the Northeast.

Assam as an Emerging Hub of Paradiplomacy

Paradiplomacy refers to sub-national governments engaging in international cooperation.
Assam is increasingly:

• Hosting Bhutanese delegations
• Participating in bilateral dialogues
• Facilitating cross-border infrastructure and trade

This represents a major shift in India’s diplomacy, where states complement central efforts.

Cross-Border Ecological Cooperation: The Manas Landscape

• Assam and Bhutan share one of South Asia’s richest biodiversity zones.

Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA), 2011

A flagship ecological partnership involving:

• Joint patrolling
• Anti-poaching intelligence sharing
• Habitat monitoring
• Community-based conservation
  Result: Tiger population more than doubled between 2010 and 2018, earning global conservation recognition in 2020.
  

New Connectivity Push: Linking People, Trade, and Economies

Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP)

• Assam’s biggest logistics hub
• Enhances trade with Bhutan
• Supports Bhutan’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City vision
• Integrates road, rail, and waterways for seamless cargo movement
  

Reopening of Border Gates

• Important gates reopened include: Darranga, Dadgiri, Gelephu, Namlang, Panbang, Samrang, strengthening people-to-people ties.

Commercial & Geopolitical Potential

The Indo-Bhutan border in Assam is transitioning from a traditionally peaceful frontier to a zone of:

• Trade expansion
• Tourism
• Energy partnerships
• Regional connectivity under the Act East Policy

Assam, positioned as a gateway to Bhutan and Southeast Asia, holds immense strategic weight.

Conclusion

Assam is no longer just a bordering state—it is emerging as a diplomatic, ecological, economic, and strategic bridge between India and Bhutan. Through connectivity projects, ecological partnerships, and paradiplomatic engagement, Assam is shaping a stronger bilateral relationship that supports India’s broader regional and geopolitical vision.

Exam Hook – Key Takeaways

• 267-km Indo-Bhutan border through five Assam districts
• Special relationship under 1949 Treaty, revised in 2007
• Operation All Clear crucial for Northeast security
• TraMCA showcased successful cross-border conservation
• MMLP at Jogighopa to boost trade and connectivity
• Assam central to Neighbourhood First & Act East
  
  

Mains Question

Assess the role of Assam in strengthening Indo-Bhutan relations. How do geography, security, ecology, and connectivity together shape this bilateral partnership? (250 words)

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