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India cautious on Bhutan
Rajeev Sharma
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 19
India today came out with a cautious response on Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s December 17 announcement that his son Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk will be enthroned as the next King before 2008 and wished the prospective King “all success” as he prepares to assume the throne within the framework of a new Constitution.

In a brief statement, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said: “This is a significant moment in Bhutan’s history, which for the last three decades has been guided and shaped by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His Majesty’s contribution to the development of Bhutan and the affection among the people of Bhutan for His Majesty are well known.”

However, Bhutan-watchers in the Indian government said though the King’s intentions were made known on earlier occasions also and it did not come as a bolt from the blue, the move had stirred the hitherto still waters of Indo-Bhutan relations. For this reason, there was no categoric “welcome” of the King’s announcement in the Indian response today.

The MEA statement took note of the fact that King Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s announcement that the Crown Prince would be enthroned as the fifth Druk Gyalpo before 2008 and said: “His Majesty has also announced that a new constitution based on a system of parliamentary democracy will be put in place in 2008. His commitment to an open and extensive process of consultations with the people of Bhutan in this regard is yet another symbol of His Majesty’s statesmanship and wisdom. India, as always, wishes the people and Government of Bhutan continued peace and stability, and the fulfillment of their aspirations as they embark towards the new Constitutional system.”

Nowhere in this statement, the MEA said that New Delhi “welcomed” the King’s announcement. At the same time, India is well aware of the King’s views that the tiny Himalayan kingdom had to brace itaself up for meeting the challenges of the 21st century. New Delhi is also understanding the Bhutan King’s thinking that the transition from an absolute monarchy in his country to a constitutional monarchy - just the reverse of which has been choreographed by King Gyanendra of Nepal - would empower the people by strengthening democracy.

Since what events take shape in and after 2008 remains in the womb of time, Indian Bhutan policy makers have no option but to keep their fingers crossed. Indo-Bhutan relations stand on a unique pedestal in the whole of South Asia because of their traditionally smooth and close ties and no baggage of the history. The King’s announcement has thrown a stone in the otherwise still waters of the Indo-Bhutan relations.