---
title: "India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007: Key Changes"
description: "The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007 redefines their relationship by affirming Bhutan's sovereignty, crucial for diplomats and policy researchers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/india-bhutan-special-relationship"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007 is the revised bilateral treaty replacing the 1949 pact, removing India's guidance over Bhutan's foreign policy and affirming sovereign equality.
- How does the 2007 treaty differ from the 1949 India-Bhutan treaty?
- Why is the India-Bhutan relationship considered the model for Neighbourhood First?
- What risk does Bhutan's boundary talks with China pose to India?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 8 February 2007

   The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007 is the foundational instrument governing relations between New Delhi and Thimphu, signed on and entering into force…

2. 2 March 2007

   The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007 is the foundational instrument governing relations between New Delhi and Thimphu, signed on 8 February 2007 and enter…

3. 9 August 1949

   It superseded the original Treaty of Friendship between India and Bhutan of , which had itself replaced the colonial-era Treaty of Punakha (1910) concluded b…

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Example

In June 2017, India invoked its special-relationship security understanding with Bhutan under the revised 2007 treaty framework to deploy troops to the Doklam plateau, opposing Chinese road construction in territory claimed by Thimphu.

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