India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty
Topic: India's External Relations, 1947-1999: Non-alignment, Wars and Nuclear Policy · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was signed on 8 August 1949. Under it, Bhutan agreed to be guided by India's advice in its external affairs, meaning its dealings with other countries. This made India Bhutan's closest partner in foreign matters. The treaty was revised in 2007. The new version dropped the "guided by advice" clause and replaced it with cooperation on each other's national interests, so the two countries now deal with each other more as equals.
Example
Under the original 1949 text, Bhutan's foreign relations were shaped by India's advice. The 2007 revision kept the close friendship but treated Bhutan as a fully equal partner.
Don't confuse with
- India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950): this treaty is about an open border and equal treatment of citizens. It has no clause about following India's advice in foreign affairs.
Related concepts
- India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship
- Shastri-Sirimavo Pact
- Katchatheevu agreement
- Indo-Sri Lanka Accord
- Indian Peace Keeping Force
- Operation Cactus
- Ganga Waters Treaty
- Indira Doctrine
- Gujral Doctrine