India and Bhutan established their diplomatic relations in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu. Before this, India’s relations with Bhutan were looked after by its Political Officer in Sikkim. The basic framework of India—Bhutan bilateral relations was the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
Recent Developments BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement
Bhutan Withdraws from BBIN Transport Plan
What is the BBIN Project?
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The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty not only reflects the contemporary nature of our relationship but also lays the foundation for their future development in the 21st century. A two-day festival of Assam was organized in Thimphu, Bhutan from 22-23 March, 2018 as part of the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan.
Eleventh Five Year Plan (2013-18) of Bhutan
Bilateral Trade
India is Bhutan's largest trading partner. In 2017, total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at Rs. 8,560 crore with total imports being Rs. 5398 crore (80.5% of Bhutan’s total imports) and exports recorded as Rs. 3162 crore including electricity (84.77% of Bhutan’s total exports).
India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty: 1949
India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty: 2007
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Border Management
There is a Secretary-level mechanism on border management and security related matters. Last meeting on the subject was held in New Delhi in November, 2018. There is also a Border District Coordination Meeting Mechanism between the bordering States and the Royal Government of Bhutan to facilitate coordination on border management and other related matters.
Doklam Issue of 2017
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India-Bhutan Defence Relations
Water Resources
There is a Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on flood management between India and Bhutan to discuss/ assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and to recommend appropriate measures to both Governments. Last meeting of JGE was held in April, 2017 in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Hydropower Cooperation
Educational and Cultural Cooperation
A large number of college going Bhutanese students are studying in India. It is estimated that approximately 4000 Bhutanese are studying in Under Graduate courses in Indian Universities on self-financing basis.
Under Graduate and Post –Graduate Scholarships
Government of India scholarships are granted to Bhutanese students at Undergraduate level every year to study in prestigious Indian Institutions of higher learning.
Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarships
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