Impact of PM Modi’s Bhutan Visit on China

China wasn’t even over the pain caused by PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel in Tawang when India delivered another blow. During PM Modi’s Bhutan trip, both countries reached a significant agreement to enhance connectivity. Accordingly, India will initiate a train service with its neighboring country Bhutan. As part of the agreement, two train routes have been proposed between India and Bhutan. The construction of these routes will facilitate easier travel between the two nations and foster even warmer relations.

Consensus reached on two proposed railway routes

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs informed about the agreements reached during PM Modi’s Bhutan visit. Officials stated that the top leaders of both India and Bhutan have agreed to initiate rail connectivity between the two countries. An MOU has also been signed in this regard. This MOU includes provisions for two proposed rail connections between India and Bhutan. One route will be the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link, and the other will be the Banarhat-Samtse rail link. India will undertake the construction of railway networks on these routes, while Bhutan will provide land for its part.

PM Modi’s Bhutan visit will unsettle China

Officials from the ministry stated that during the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, both sides exchanged several memoranda of understanding on energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and youth engagement. Both countries have also agreed to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, environment, forestry, and tourism sectors. PM Modi also announced a contribution of ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s development. He also expressed gratitude to the Bhutanese PM for his warm welcome.

In Bhutan, held productive talks with PM @tsheringtobgay. We reviewed the complete range of India-Bhutan friendship, and agreed to boost our developmental partnership as well as deepen cultural linkages. pic.twitter.com/hWNyfSGK9u

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2024

India is not taking China’s pressure lying down

PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan comes at a time when China is perturbed by the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. In this context, announcing projects worth ₹10,000 crore in Bhutan during his visit is a double blow for China. By exerting pressure on Bhutan, India has been offering to seize its long-disputed territory in exchange for Bhutan’s northern territory.

The ‘The End’ of the chicken-neck conspiracy

Behind this move is India’s strategy to capture the chicken neck, a crucial strategic point, from the Siliguri corridor. However, due to the strong friendship between India and Bhutan, China has not yet succeeded in executing this conspiracy. PM Modi’s Bhutan visit and the agreement to start train services between the two countries have also sealed the fate of this chicken-neck conspiracy. After the railway routes are established, India can also use them for military purposes during emergencies, enabling India to respond promptly to any threats from the Dragon.

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