“GMC Bhutan and India”

# GS - 2
# GS - 3
# The Hindu

Context Bhutan's plans for a

regional economic

hub at
Gelephu ,
a town

bordering Assam in India

,

Bhutan Prime
are
high on

Minister
Thering Tobgay's
agenda on his
first visit

in India
.

Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)

It was launched
by Bhutan's

Khesar in
King Jigme Wangcheck
December 2023
.

Aim is to establish a
unique
economic hub
focused on
mindfulness and

sustainability principles & attract investments in

clean industries
.
 Importance of GMC for Bhutan
economic hub to
GMC aim to create
employment Thriving
the
and
stop outflow of Bhutanese > generate revenue and

youth seeking jobs abroad

. become an
export center .

GMC would end Bhutan's The

focus on clean industries

heavy reliance on
hydro- k > aligns with Bhutan's

& tourism Gross National

power economy
. Happiness
.

GMC could become a center

Opportunity to create a

k >
for learning & innovation
. model environment
city
.

Gelephu's position at the GMC will help Bhutan

Crossroads Trilateral
of k > in
countering China's

highway , helps in trade .

influence in the
region.

Y
GMC could
A
successful project position Bhutan as

a leader in sustainable & mindful urban development

.
 India's Role in GMC and opportunities
has
India's financial backing India expertise in

is crucial as 50 % FDI in < > construction , urban

Bhutan is from India

.
planning and IT .

India's plans for border posts

own
Improved
South > and
regional connectivity in
transportation links

Asia
aligns with GMC
. with Bhutan
.

Successful GMC with India's

support will counter China's

influence in
Nepal ,
Bangladesh and
Myanmar
.

Bhutan - India relations

Pre 1947 Bhutan became british

protectorate .

1949
Treaty of Friendship ; Bhutanese

foreign and
defence policy under India
.

2007 Treaty of Friendship revised ;

India
only controls defence .
now
 Challenges for GMC
Gelephu experiences heavy Gelephu currently lacks a

monsoon
leading
rains ,
to
k > major airport efficient
frequent flooding
. transportation links
.

The chosen location lies

shortage of skilled local
& &
within elephant corridors
.
workforce in
Geleph .

Gelephu is rare broad plain

Proximity to
regions
surrounded
by mountains
k >
with
insurgencies (Assam
,

limiting infra development

.
.
Myanmar) poses security risks .

Indian projects in Bhutan

⑳ Chukha
Hydroelectric ⑳ Tata
Hychoelectric
Project (336 MW)
Project (1020 MW)

Bhutanese satellite
⑳
Mangdechhe hydro- ⑳ ,

electric (720MW) Bhutan-1 launched

project by .
ISRO

⑳
Punatsangchhu I and I
hydroelectric projects
 Way forward for India
to
Work
closely with Bhutan address potential

security concerns -

India needs to balance its

strategic interests in

Bhutan with consideration of project's financial

viability and potential risks
.

border posts with all three land

Upgrade neighbours
to allow efficient trade
.

Practice Question & PYQ

Q. Consider the following statements about the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)
project in Bhutan:
1. It is envisioned as a special economic zone focused on IT and renewable energy
industries.
2. Its location at the crossroads of major connectivity initiatives makes it
strategically important for regional trade.
3. The project faces challenges due to the presence of elephant corridors and a
history of insurgencies in the area.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above

Q. Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are
the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy
objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (UPSC 2022)