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Introduction

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4), often called the Bodhisattva King, ruled Bhutan from 1972 to 2006. He combined modernisation with cultural preservation, laying the foundations of Bhutan’s democracy and foreign policy orientation towards India.

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Foundational Role Of Former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4)

In Modernizing Bhutan

• Guided Transition to Democracy: Initiated Bhutan’s shift from absolute monarchy to constitutional democracy (abdicated voluntarily in 2006).
  Eg: Drafted the 2008 Constitution guaranteeing elected Parliament and separation of powers.
• Economic Modernisation with Cultural Preservation: Balanced modernisation with Bhutanese values, through the idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
• Infrastructure- led Development: Strengthened state capacity by investing in connectivity, decentralisation and public institutions.
  Eg: Collaborated with India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to build national highways and feeder roads.
• Environmental Constitutionalism: Ensured that Bhutan’s development remained ecologically responsible.
  Eg: Mandated 60% forest cover in the Constitution, making Bhutan the only carbon-negative country in the world.

In Strengthening Indo-Bhutanese Ties

• Strategic Foreign Policy Orientation: Positioned India as Bhutan’s closest development and security partner, recognising threats from the North (China).
• Hydropower Diplomacy as Economic Anchor: Converted Bhutan’s hydropower potential into a driver of bilateral engagement with India.
  Eg: Joint development of Chukha (1988), Tala (2006), Kurichhu (2001) hydropower projects with electricity sale to India funds Bhutan’s social sector.
• Border and Defence Cooperation: Strengthened coordination against China’s territorial claims in the north.
  Eg: Close coordination with India during Doklam (2003–2006 negotiations).
• Trade & Connectivity Integration: Linked Bhutan’s growth to regional markets through India.
• Made India the cornerstone of Bhutan’s external relations : Bhutan was the first recipient of India’s Neighbourhood First gestures (Modi’s first foreign visit in 2014 and again for K4’s 70th birthday celebrations).

Evolution Of Hydropower Diplomacy

• Hydropower as Economic Lifeline: K4 recognized hydropower as Bhutan’s natural economic strength and long-term revenue source.
  Eg: Chukha Hydropower Project (1988) , Bhutan’s first large hydro export project fully financed by India.
• Mutual Interdependence Development Model: India funded hydropower projects while Bhutan repaid loans via electricity exports.
  Eg: Tala (1,020 MW) and Punatsangchhu-II (1,020 MW)  generate stable revenue for Bhutan, clean energy for India.
• Shift to Private Sector Partnership: Evolved from government-funded to blended finance and private sector investment models.
  Eg: Tata Power & Adani Power collaborating with Bhutanese firms for upcoming hydropower projects.
• Clean Energy as Strategic Asset: Supports India’s clean energy transition and Bhutan’s revenue diversification.

Enduring Significance Of Security Cooperation For Both Nations

• Mutual Territorial Security Trust: Both share concerns regarding Chinese expansion.
  Eg: India–Bhutan coordination on Doklam (2017) and ongoing boundary talks with China.
• Joint Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: K4 ensured Bhutan never becomes a safe haven for anti-India insurgents.
  Eg: Operation All Clear (2003), K4 led Bhutan Army to remove ULFA/NDFB militants.
• Border Infrastructure Synergy: Secure connectivity enables rapid mobilisation and development.
• Continuity Through Institutional Trust: K5 continues to consult K4 on national security and foreign relations.
  Eg: Bhutanese policy elite routinely engages Indian leadership- Prime Minister Modi’s visit for K4’s 70th anniversary (2025).

Conclusion

K4 institutionalised a development-security partnership where hydropower fuels prosperity and security cooperation builds trust. His leadership transformed India–Bhutan relations into a model of mutual respect, economic interdependence, and strategic alignment, making it one of South Asia’s most stable bilateral partnerships.

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