Israel has recently established diplomatic ties with Bhutan, marking a significant development in global geopolitics. This move follows the normalization of ties between Israel and Morocco, facilitated by the United States. It’s noteworthy that Morocco is the fourth Arab country, following the UAE, Bahrain (Abraham Accords), and Sudan, to reconcile hostilities with Israel over the past four months.
Historical Background: Israel-Bhutan Relations
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, Israel has maintained a friendly relationship with Bhutan since 1982. The relationship primarily centered around human resource development, particularly agricultural advancements. Numerous Bhutanese youths have benefited from this alliance. Israel even had a non-resident ambassador to Bhutan for a brief period in 2010. Since 2013, MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, has trained hundreds of Bhutanese youth.
Recent Development: Diplomatic Relations Established
The two nations recently decided to formalize their relationship and expand their cooperation across various sectors. However, they won’t be establishing embassies in Thimphu and Tel Aviv, instead, they’ll coordinate through their missions in Delhi.
Significance of Diplomatic Ties
The new diplomatic relations between Israel and Bhutan will create opportunities for collaboration in water management, technology, human resource development, agricultural sciences, and other mutually beneficial areas. These ties are also expected to enhance cultural exchanges and tourism opportunities. Specifically, Bhutan, a country that restricts outsider access, might now be more open to Israeli visitors.
Bhutan’s Foreign Relations and India’s Role
Bhutan has maintained official diplomatic relations with India since 1949, under the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. As per the treaty, India played a strategic role in guiding Bhutan’s foreign policy, which led to some amendments in 2007. The current agreement allows Bhutan to import arms without harming Indian interests and ensures there’s no re-export of the weapons.
Bhutan became a member of the United Nations (UN) in 1971. However, it still doesn’t have diplomatic ties with any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. In 2007, Bhutan had formal relations with just 22 countries. However, post their 2008 elections, Bhutan rapidly expanded its global outreach by signing agreements with 31 countries over five years. Today, Bhutan has diplomatic relations with over 53 countries and the European Union, with Germany being the latest addition.
(Source:IE)
