Making up

But diplomacy is also about managing or mitigating damage after it is done. And fortunately,not much time has lapsed between the two decisions in this case. But going ahead,as it makes its next diplomatic moves,Delhi would do well to be mindful of the concerns and aspirations in Bhutan in a time of change. India has traditionally had a large footprint in Bhutan,which has also been almost exclusive till now. However,as Bhutans overtures to China over the last few years have shown,the diplomatic distance between Thimphu and Beijing will inevitably close in the near future. Delhi has to accept this even as it looks to maintain the goodwill it enjoys among the Bhutanese people. Economic assistance and the hydropower plants which India constructs and then imports electricity from are just two attributes of that relationship.

Given that the kingdom is transitioning to democratic governance,having just elected its second representative government in an election that saw the defeat of the incumbent,Delhi will have to increasingly make its conduct of diplomacy towards the nation more transparent. Thimphus new government has a political platform that emphasises rebuilding relations with India and it presides over a 1.8 billion economy that is growing fast and may soon open up to the world. These factors should preclude hasty foreign policy decisions that could end up forcing Delhi on to the backfoot again.

Curated For You

You have not even scratched the surface: Mahesh Bhatt recalls advising Alia to learn from Meryl Streep, shares thoughts on her career and parenting

Dhurandhar Box Office Worldwide Collection Day 21 Update: Ranveer Singh film earns Rs 1006 cr worldwide, crosses Rs 14 cr mark on Friday

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I: Shafali Vermas superb 79 powers India to 3-0 series lead