Jumpstarting Nepal-Bhutan Relationship

Abstract

A breakthrough in Nepal-Bhutan relationship in the past had been rendered near impossible given the mistrust over refugee issue coupled with lack of autonomy in Thimpu vis-à-vis conduct of its foreign and defence policy. With resettlement of Bhutanese refugees and revision of Bhutan-India Friendship Treaty 1949, there is tremendous scope for a strong bilaterally beneficial relationship now.

Untitled

“…They are both members of regional organisations and in addition, both lie in between China and India vying for control (Government of Nepal (GN), 2017). Yet relations among the two Himalayan states have been described as "lukewarm" (Parajuli, 2019). The expulsion has tainted relations and despite numerous rounds of Joint Ministerial Meetings, negotiations over the issue have been repeatedly stalled (Minorities at Risk Project, 2004).…”