Bhutan–India border

Losing the Duars

The British intervened in Bhutan in 1772–73 and again in 1864–65. After that second war the defeated Bhutanese signed a treaty ceding control of their southern border passes to the British, and accepting British mediation in future disputes with their neighbours in return for an annual British subsidy.^[1] That treaty is known as the Treaty of Sinchula, and its fourth article set the compensation paid to Bhutan.^[2]

In 1910 Bhutan agreed by treaty to be guided by Britain in its external affairs, in return for a larger subsidy and a promise not to interfere in its internal affairs.^[1]

India takes Britain’s place

On 8 August 1949, at Darjeeling, Bhutan signed a treaty with newly independent India, which took over Britain’s former role.^[2][1] India replaced the old subsidies with a payment of five lakh rupees a year, and agreed to return to Bhutan within a year “about thirty-two square miles of territory in the area known as Dewangiri”, with an Indian officer to mark it out.^[2]

When China took control of Tibet in 1950, Bhutan drew closer to India, and roads were begun inside Bhutan and toward India, helping end its isolation.^[1]

“…return to the Government of Bhutan about thirty-two square miles of territory in the area known as Dewangiri.”^[2]

A treaty between equals

India and Bhutan signed a new friendship treaty in New Delhi on 8 February 2007, updating the 1949 treaty, and it came into force in Thimphu on 2 March 2007. It opens by reaffirming respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.^[3]

Its Article 2 says the two governments will cooperate closely on their national interests, and that neither will let its territory be used against the other’s security. Free trade across the border continues “as heretofore”.^[3]