Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy

Relevance: GS – 2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations

Gelephu Mindfulness City Development

• Background: The King of Bhutan's visit to India in November 2023 included discussions about the development of a Mindfulness City in Gelephu, southern Bhutan.
• Objective: The city aims to function as a Special Economic Zone to attract foreign investment and enhance prosperity in Bhutan.
• India's Role: India, along with its business entities, is expected to play a significant role in this endeavor.
• Focus on Sustainability and Well-being: The project prioritizes sustainability, well-being, and environmental concerns, aiming to alleviate any worries about its impact on Bhutan's carbon-negative status.
• Emphasis on Human Well-being: Gelephu city is expected to prioritize human well-being with features like yoga, rest, recreation, spa therapies, and mental relaxation channels.

Diplomatic Interactions

• High-level Visits: Recent visits by the Prime Ministers of Bhutan and India signify the commitment of both governments to nurture the bilateral relationship.
• Manifestation of Neighbourhood First Policy: The visits exemplify India's "Neighbourhood First" policy approach, prioritizing relations with neighboring countries.

Hydropower Cooperation

• Importance of Hydropower Cooperation: Hydropower cooperation forms the foundation of India's relations with Bhutan, providing clean electricity to India and revenue to Bhutan.
• Challenges with Joint Venture Model: While a new joint venture model for hydroprojects was proposed, none of the proposed projects have materialized, suggesting the need for reevaluation.
• Development Assistance: India has been a significant development assistance partner to Bhutan, prioritizing projects aligned with Bhutanese priorities.

Measures for Success of Gelephu Mindfulness City

• Direct Flights: Commence direct flights between Mumbai/Delhi and Gelephu to facilitate travel and business interactions.
• Technology Transfer: Provide technology and knowledge for building hard infrastructure, with the private sector leading the efforts.
• Tourism and Business Promotion: Encourage high-end Indian tourists and businesses to visit Gelephu in controlled numbers.
• Business Setup: Encourage Indian businesses to set up operations in the city to promote economic growth and collaboration.
• Socio-economic Impact: Success of the Mindfulness City will benefit remote parts of West Bengal and Assam, demonstrating win-win cooperation between India and Bhutan.