New Delhi: With China planning to increase its influence in the South-east Asian region by including Bhutan in its 'Belt and Road Initiative', Observer Research Foundation's senior fellow Dr K Yhome claimed that Bhutan will certainly keep India's interest in mind before taking any initiative.
He said, "It would be wrong to assume that Bhutan will spring any surprises on India. That's the level of mutual trust and understanding which exist between both countries. Rest assured that they will do things in consultation with India."
He even urged the country's leadership to be more careful while treating this issue. He claimed that any mishandling might create an unnecessary suspicion and spoil relationship with its longtime ally Bhutan.
Stressing that India has been continuously engaged diplomatically with Bhutan even before Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese forces in 2017, the senior fellow at the ORF hailed the bilateral ties claiming that both sides understand the importance of their relationship and wants to preserve it.
Several reports have emerged that China has been continuously trying to woo Bhutan to be part of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Regarding this, Chinese officials have visited the Himalayan kingdom.
In 2017, India assisted Bhutan against China during a military crisis in Doklam. China and Bhutan share nearly 470 km unfenced borders. So far, both countries don't have any official diplomatic relationship.
