BT
Stories (5)
Bhutan at a Crossroads
Summary: - Context: Modi made a two-day state visit to Bhutan (Nov 11–12) to mark the 70th birthday of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, meeting Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The visit centered on reinforcing bilateral cooperation in hydropower, connectivity, and technology. - Bhutan’s stance toward China: Bhutan has no formal diplomatic relations with China and remains within India’s sphere of influence. It has not joined China’s Be
2026-05-24Bhutan Votes Tobgay to Revive Economy
Summary: - Election outcome: Tshering Tobgay’s People’s Democratic Party won a decisive two-thirds majority (30 of 47 seats) in Bhutan’s fourth general election since 2008, returning the Harvard-educated former PM to power. - Economic focus: Tobgay pledges to rebuild Bhutan’s economy, curb high youth unemployment, reduce migration, and implement a 12-point economic transformation plan aimed at turning Bhutan into a developed nation by 2047. Key measures include a US$181 milli
2026-05-24Bhutan Election: New Government Faces Economy
- Bhutan’s election brought a new government under PM Tshering Tobgay, focusing on reviving a fragile economy hit hard by Covid, with GDP growth averaging 1.5% (2018–2022) and a recent fiscal/foreign exchange squeeze. A 15 billion Nu stimulus (backed by India) targets tourism, tech, and small enterprises, while the 13th Five-Year Plan requires heavy foreign funding. - Economic priorities include creating jobs, boosting private sector growth, reforming education and health, ex
2026-05-24C Raja Mohan writes
Summary: C Raja Mohan argues that India–Bhutan ties demonstrate how to manage a challenging neighbourhood in ways that are mutually beneficial and sustainable. Key points: - Bhutan’s security and development are closely aligned with India, with deep cooperation in hydropower, defense, and economic projects, while Bhutan maintains a sovereign foreign policy. - The 2007 treaty formalized a mature partnership, despite shifting regional dynamics and China’s rise; Delhi practices
2026-05-24Bhutan China Boundary Talks Progress Update
Bhutan-China boundary talks progress update: - Bhutan and China held the latest Expert Group Meeting in Beijing (Mar 30–Apr 1) after a two-year gap, aiming to advance the Three-Step Roadmap toward a final boundary settlement. - The meeting was co-chaired by Hou Yanqi (China) and Letho Tobdhen Tangbi (Bhutan). A joint press release described frank, constructive discussions and agreed to “maintain the momentum” and to hold the next expert group meeting in Bhutan. - A Joint Tec
2026-05-24