Democracy in Bhutan an opportunity for Indian diplomacy

By IANS

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IANS) The dramatic decision of Bhutan's King Jigme Singye Wangchuk to abdicate in 2008 in favour of democracy has put the spotlight on a country that prefers to measure its development in terms of what it calls "gross national happiness" and in whose peace and prosperity India has vital stakes.

The transition to democracy will provide Indian diplomacy a huge opportunity to consolidate further its warm relations with a country with whom it shares a nearly 700 km long border.

"Democracy in Bhutan is only going to strengthen our relations with Bhutan. If Bhutan wants our help with the building of democratic institutions, we will be there with our assistance to help," said K.S. Jasrotia, former Indian ambassador to Bhutan.

"But it is for the Bhutanese government to decide what kind of help they really want from India," Jasrotia told IANS.

"He is a thinking king. He has a vision for his country, and whatever decision he will take will be in interests of his country and in the interest of relations between India and Bhutan," added the diplomat, who was envoy there till May.

The tiny kingdom's foreign policy is guided by India, which also contributes substantially to its development budget. India recently provided an assistance package worth $450 million to Bhutan for its ninth five-year plan ending 2007.

The 50-year-old King Wangchuk was here early this year as chief guest on Republic Day. He visited again later this year on a state visit during which both sides reviewed an entire gamut of bilateral ties, including cooperation in hydropower projects, border management and security related issues.

The prospect of having to deal with a more diversified power structure under parliamentary democracy, rather than just with the king who is an acknowledged friend of India, however, does not worry India.

"On the contrary, this should be treated as a challenge for Indian diplomacy. Besides, the king is very much going to be a key figure in the power structure," said Jasrotia.

Anticipating these radical changes, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran earlier this month had stressed on the "shared destiny" of India and Bhutan and lauded the process of democratic transition initiated by the Bhutanese king, who has ruled the largely Buddhist nation of about 600,000 people, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, for 32 years.

"We wish the Royal Government of Bhutan and the people of Bhutan all success in the course of this political transition and we look forward to working with Bhutan during this period and beyond," Saran had said.

New Delhi hopes to continue this cooperation by jointly upgrading border infrastructure and management through better roads and communication links as well as information sharing.

Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, 25, will be enthroned as the new king before Bhutan adopts a constitution and goes to the first ever polls in 2008 to choose a prime minister under a parliamentary democracy.

--Indo-Asian News Service