This paper examines the limitations and prospects of the security of Bhutan, a landlocked buffer state between India and China, and a country that is geographically very small and poor in economic development. Normally, a country would like to have various options to provide national security, and diplomacy to protect its sovereign status and national boundaries. However, Bhutan is largely isolated from the outside world, suffers from poor internal communications, and continues with the monarchy system with very limited options to formulate its own security and foreign policy. While the country's military remains weak (mainly due to lack of funds), Bhutan's diplomacy, economic development and cultural status have proved very useful. For all its limitations, Bhutan has succeeded in maintaining its sovereign status and relative autonomy of action.

Bhutan's security scenario

’ Tibet in 1950-51, if not earlier, started working on a policy of extending her sway and influence over the peoples and territories of the Himalayan region comprising Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and even parts of India’s north and northeast frontier. ln pursuit of this objective, she adjusted her strategy from time to time and from region to region. India’s reactions, on the other hand, were slow and and hoc, to meet a situation here

Manorama Kohli

Papers

Chinese Interest in Bhutan : Evolution of the British Indian Perspective