UPSC Prelims 2026 Practice Set Topic: India–Bhutan Relations, Hydropower Diplomacy & Regional Security

 

UPSC Prelims 2026 Practice Set

Topic: India–Bhutan Relations, Hydropower Diplomacy & Regional Security

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Q1. With reference to India–Bhutan relations, consider the following statements:

1. The 1949 Treaty of Friendship was replaced by a new treaty in 2007 which removed India’s role in guiding Bhutan’s external relations.

2. Bhutan was the first foreign country visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after assuming office in 2014.

3. The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project is Bhutan’s first project financed by private Indian companies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

• (1) ✅ The 2007 Treaty modernised ties and gave Bhutan full control over external relations.

• (2) ✅ PM Modi’s first foreign visit (June 2014) was to Bhutan under Neighbourhood First.

• (3) ❌ Punatsangchhu-II is a government-to-government project, though private investment is planned for future ones.

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Q2. Which of the following hydropower projects have been jointly developed by India and Bhutan?

1. Tala

2. Chukha

3. Mangdechhu

4. Punatsangchhu-II

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 2 and 3 only

✅ Answer: C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
All these four are India-assisted hydropower projects in Bhutan — forming the core of “hydropower diplomacy”.

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Q3. The concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) was introduced by:

A. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (K5)
B. Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4)
C. Ugyen Wangchuck (K1)
D. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (K3)

✅ Answer: B. Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4)
Explanation:
K4 introduced GNH in the 1970s as a holistic development model balancing material and spiritual well-being.

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Q4. Operation All Clear (2003), led by Bhutan’s Royal Army, was aimed at:

A. Clearing Chinese troops from Doklam plateau
B. Eliminating Indian insurgent groups from Bhutanese territory
C. Protecting Bhutanese borders during India–Pakistan Kargil conflict
D. Removing illegal hydropower settlements along the border

✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
Operation All Clear (Dec 2003) cleared ULFA, Bodo, and KLO camps from Bhutan. It marked strong India–Bhutan security coordination.

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Q5. Consider the following pairs:

Indian Policy	Key Objective in Bhutan’s Context
1. Neighbourhood First Policy	Prioritising close ties with Bhutan and other SAARC neighbours
2. Act East Policy	Using Bhutan as a land bridge to ASEAN
3. Hydropower Diplomacy	Mutual benefit through energy trade

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 2 only

✅ Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three reflect India’s integrated regional strategy — diplomacy, energy, and connectivity.

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Q6. Which of the following correctly describes Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project?

A. Fully financed by Bhutan’s private sector.
B. Jointly developed by India and Bhutan; inaugurated in 2025.
C. A solar–hydro hybrid project developed by Tata Power.
D. Located in northeastern India near Bhutan border.

✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW) is a bilateral hydropower venture inaugurated jointly by PM Modi and King K5 in 2025.

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Q7. The 2007 India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty differs from the 1949 version primarily because:

A. It removed Bhutan’s obligation to accept India’s advice in foreign affairs.
B. It transferred Bhutan’s hydropower sector to Indian ownership.
C. It allowed Indian citizens free movement inside Bhutan.
D. It reduced India’s development assistance obligations.

✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
The 2007 revision reaffirmed sovereignty and equality while maintaining friendship — a diplomatic evolution, not dependency.

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Q8. With reference to Bhutan’s geography and strategic importance, which of the following statements is correct?

A. Bhutan shares borders with both India and Nepal.
B. Bhutan acts as a buffer between India and China.
C. Bhutan has direct access to the sea via Bangladesh.
D. Bhutan is part of BIMSTEC but not SAARC.

✅ Answer: B.
Explanation:
Bhutan borders India and China, serving as a buffer state in the sensitive Himalayan belt. It is a member of both SAARC and BIMSTEC.

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Q9. Which of the following correctly explains Hydropower Diplomacy between India and Bhutan?

A. India finances, builds, and purchases electricity; Bhutan earns revenue.
B. Bhutan provides free power to India as part of its treaty obligations.
C. It is a trilateral arrangement including Nepal.
D. India sells surplus power from Bhutan to third countries.

✅ Answer: A.
Explanation:
India’s support in building hydropower plants provides sustainable revenue for Bhutan and green energy for India — a mutually beneficial model.

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Q10. Why is the 70th birth anniversary of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4) in 2025 significant for India–Bhutan ties?

A. It marks 100 years of the India–Bhutan Friendship Treaty.
B. It coincides with Bhutan’s transition to a multiparty democracy.
C. It highlights K4’s legacy in strengthening India–Bhutan relations and inaugurating new cooperation projects.
D. It is the first time an Indian Prime Minister visits Bhutan since 2007.

✅ Answer: C.
Explanation:
PM Modi’s presence in Thimphu for K4’s 70th anniversary celebrates Bhutan’s transformation under K4 and the enduring India–Bhutan friendship.

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🧾 Quick Prelims Revision Chart

Theme	Key Fact	UPSC Area
Treaty of Friendship	1949 → revised 2007	International Relations
Hydropower	Punatsangchhu-II (1020 MW)	India’s Energy Diplomacy
Operation All Clear	2003 anti-insurgent drive	Internal Security
Gross National Happiness	K4’s governance model	Governance + Ethics
Neighbourhood First	Bhutan: First country visited by PM Modi (2014)	Foreign Policy

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🏛️ UPSC Mains 2026 Practice Set

Topic: India–Bhutan Relations and Strategic Diplomacy

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Q1. “India–Bhutan relations represent a model of trust-based diplomacy in South Asia.” Discuss.

(GS Paper 2 – International Relations)

Introduction:

India–Bhutan relations are an example of stable, trust-driven bilateral diplomacy rooted in history, geography, and shared values. Since the 1949 Treaty of Friendship, both nations have maintained a relationship based on mutual respect and non-interference.

Body:

1. Dimensions of Trust and Cooperation:

• Political: No major disputes; regular high-level visits.

• Economic: Hydropower trade ensures mutual benefit.

• Cultural: Buddhism as a civilisational bridge.

• People-to-People: Educational exchanges and pilgrimages.

2. Strategic Value:

• Bhutan acts as a buffer between India and China.

• Cooperation on border management and military training.

• Operation All Clear (2003) demonstrated deep strategic trust.

3. Modernization of Relations:

• 2007 Treaty reaffirmed sovereignty and equality.

• New partnerships in digital economy, green energy, and private investment.

Conclusion:

India–Bhutan relations are proof that trust, not transaction, builds lasting partnerships. Their model offers lessons in constructive neighbourhood diplomacy for the wider South Asian region.

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Q2. Hydropower diplomacy between India and Bhutan has been central to their partnership. Critically examine its benefits and challenges.

(GS Paper 2 & 3)

Introduction:

Hydropower diplomacy is the economic cornerstone of India–Bhutan ties, symbolising mutual benefit through shared river resources and green energy cooperation.

Body:

Benefits:

• Revenue for Bhutan: ~25% of national income from power exports to India.

• Clean Energy for India: Contributes to India’s renewable goals.

• Developmental Impact: Infrastructure, jobs, rural electrification.

• Diplomatic Trust: Strengthened interdependence.

Challenges:

• Project Delays: Environmental and geological issues (e.g., Punatsangchhu-I).

• Financial Dependence: Overreliance on Indian financing.

• Emerging Competition: Need to diversify investors (now opening to Tata, Adani).

• Environmental Sensitivity: River ecosystems affected by construction.

Conclusion:

Hydropower diplomacy has deepened bilateral trust, but future sustainability will depend on shared financing, technology diversification, and environmental responsibility.

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Q3. How has Bhutan balanced its sovereignty while maintaining close strategic ties with India, especially amid China’s assertiveness?

(GS Paper 2 – Regional Security)

Introduction:

Bhutan’s foreign policy reflects a careful balance between sovereignty and strategic cooperation. While maintaining autonomy, Bhutan aligns closely with India on core security issues.

Body:

1. Diplomatic Autonomy:

• 2007 Treaty revision ensured independent foreign policy.

• Bhutan conducts direct boundary talks with China, but informs India.

2. Security Cooperation with India:

• Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) assists Bhutanese forces.

• Operation All Clear (2003) reaffirmed military coordination.

• Joint vigilance over Doklam sector, crucial to India’s Siliguri Corridor security.

3. Economic and Developmental Interdependence:

• Hydropower and development assistance reinforce trust.

• Shared democratic values and cultural ties prevent external manipulation.

Conclusion:

Bhutan exemplifies strategic autonomy within partnership — maintaining independence while ensuring national security through its time-tested friendship with India.

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📘 Final Takeaways for UPSC 2026:

Focus Area	Likely Paper	Approach
2007 India–Bhutan Treaty	GS 2	Bilateral relations and sovereignty
Hydropower Cooperation	GS 2/3	Economic diplomacy
Operation All Clear	GS 3	Internal security cooperation
GNH Concept	GS 4 / Essay	Ethics & human development
Bhutan’s China Policy	GS 2	Strategic neighbourhood analysis