Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Begin with a brief introduction to BRICS, its original members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and the recent expansion. State the importance of the expansion: The inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the ...
Model Answer Introduction India and Bhutan share a robust and time-tested relationship rooted in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship, updated in 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. This partnership has been underpinned by economic cooperation, hydropower development, and cultural ties. However, emerging chRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India and Bhutan share a robust and time-tested relationship rooted in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship, updated in 2007 to reflect evolving dynamics. This partnership has been underpinned by economic cooperation, hydropower development, and cultural ties. However, emerging challenges now pose concerns for this historically strong relationship.
Strengths of the India-Bhutan Relationship
Trade and Economic Ties
- India as Bhutan’s top trading partner: The bilateral trade agreement revised in 2016 enables duty-free transit for Bhutanese exports.
- Trade Statistics: In 2021-22, bilateral trade amounted to USD 1,422 million, demonstrating economic vitality.
Hydropower Cooperation
- India has helped Bhutan harness its hydroelectric potential, exemplified by the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project, which benefits both nations through energy generation and socio-economic development.
Development Partnership
- India’s contribution of ₹4,500 crore to Bhutan’s 12th Five-Year Plan constituted 73% of Bhutan’s total external grant component, underscoring India’s pivotal role in Bhutan’s development.
Educational and Cultural Cooperation
- Over 950 scholarships are offered annually to Bhutanese students in India, with initiatives like the Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarship Scheme strengthening educational and cultural ties.
Emerging Challenges
Border Security and Territorial Negotiations with China
- Bhutan’s discussions with China, particularly involving Doklam—strategically crucial for India—raise security concerns, especially regarding the Siliguri Corridor.
Economic Diversification and Ties with China
- Bhutan’s growing economic engagement with China, reflected in the surge of imports from INR 2 billion in 2020 to INR 15 billion in 2022, indicates a shift in economic reliance.
BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement
- Bhutan’s hesitation on the BBIN agreement due to environmental concerns could hinder India’s regional connectivity ambitions.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Bhutan’s imposition of a daily SDF on Indian tourists in 2020 has impacted cross-border tourism dynamics.
Conclusion and Way Forward
To address these challenges, India and Bhutan must reinforce their relationship through:
- Enhanced security collaboration in sensitive border areas.
- Economic partnerships aligning with Bhutan’s diversification goals.
- Strengthening regional connectivity while respecting environmental concerns.
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy can guide efforts to ensure mutual growth, security, and prosperity.
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Model Answer Introduction The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a significant phase in the group's evolution. This expansion is an attempt to enhance BRICS' global influence, but it also bringsRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a significant phase in the group’s evolution. This expansion is an attempt to enhance BRICS’ global influence, but it also brings challenges related to differing national interests and governance systems.
Strengths of BRICS in the Present Scenario
1. Demographic and Economic Weight
BRICS now accounts for almost 46% of the global population, offering immense demographic leverage. Economically, its share of world GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) has increased from 31.6% to over 35.6%, strengthening its global economic clout.
2. Strengthened Global Governance
With BRICS countries holding three consecutive G20 presidencies (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025), the bloc can push its agenda more effectively in global governance.
3. Voice of the Global South
The expansion is seen as a step towards promoting solidarity and strategic partnerships in the Global South, advancing multilateralism and inclusive global governance.
4. Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar
BRICS aims to reduce its reliance on the US dollar by encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions.
Weaknesses of BRICS in the Present Scenario
1. Heterogeneous Group
The group is ideologically and economically diverse. While some members, like Russia and China, have current account surpluses, others like India and South Africa face deficits. Additionally, the political regimes within BRICS vary, with some members being democracies and others authoritarian.
2. Limited Trade Integration
Despite the bloc’s large share in global exports (25%), intra-BRICS trade is limited, accounting for only 3.7% of global trade in 2021.
3. Fragile Geopolitical Unity
Geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing India-China territorial disputes, create divisions within the bloc, affecting its ability to act cohesively on global issues.
4. Dominance of China
China’s overwhelming economic influence, contributing to over 50% of BRICS’s GDP, risks overshadowing the goals of other members and may lead to prioritizing China’s geopolitical interests.
Conclusion
BRICS represents both a powerful collective force and a complex coalition. While it enhances global influence, the group must navigate internal divisions and differing interests to make a meaningful impact on global governance.
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