To meet the aspirations of the new generation, Bhutan is striving to develop the digital and space sector and India has extended a helping hand.
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In the 51st year of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, the two countries have started a new chapter of mutual cooperation. The two nations have ushered in a new era by expanding investment in the digital and space sectors. The Prime Ministers of India and Bhutan inaugurated the RuPay Card, the integration of the National Knowledge Network of India and DRKRANCE (DRKR Research and Education Network) in Bhutan on August 17, 2019, as well as the inauguration of the Ground Earth Station built by ISRO. Initiated important initiatives.
Why does Bhutan want to be digital ?
With limited domestic and international connectivity, Bhutan is a mountainous country with no coast or port. Due to this, Bhutan has to face various problems while entering the global market. In order to overcome these problems and connect with the world through the digital sector, Bhutan has begun to develop its digital sector.
Bhutan wants to reduce its over-reliance on hydropower for exports, revenue and employment. Because in the long run the alternative to the hydropower sector will be impossible; That is why Bhutan is focusing on the digital sector. The digital sector is a reliable source of job creation and foreign exchange earnings through the export of information technology and information technology related services. With this in mind, the first technology center and training center was set up in Thimphu in 2012 to attract foreign investment to Bhutan and provide jobs to the younger generation.
The new government, led by Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotte Shering, is focusing on developing Bhutan's digital and space infrastructure. He intends to use the potential of the youth by creating adequate employment. In doing so, care is also being taken to ensure that skills development is up to global standards.
Why is Bhutan taking India's cooperation in the digital field ?
Bhutan and India have a long history of cooperation based on mutual trust and good friendship. Today, as one of the world's technology superpowers, India has gained expertise. India also has a wealth of world-class and affordable technology in the digital and space sectors. Due to these two factors, Bhutan views India in terms of cooperation. Thus, Bhutan is looking forward to Indian investment and expertise to transform its digital and space sector.
Why is India ready to cooperate ?
Under India's foreign policy of 'Priority to Neighboring Nations', India is committed to Bhutan's development, pursuing a policy of cooperation between the two nations in the areas of digital and space to reduce over-dependence on the hydropower sector. India aims to imprint its technology through digital and space cooperation and help Bhutan build capital-centric digital infrastructure.
The current government of Bhutan has set a goal of 'closing the gap ' between the rich and the poor in the country . To achieve this, they plan to develop by investing in the digital and space sectors. To this end, India is making a concerted effort to change and diversify the structure of India-Bhutan cooperation.
What initiatives have been taken and what are their benefits ?
India and Bhutan have launched their digital collaboration through banking and educational initiatives. Cooperation in the space sector is mainly related to South Asian satellite services. In collaboration with the banking sector, it has been decided to launch RuPay card in Bhutan. The introduction of RuPay will revolutionize Bhutan's financial transactions and open the door to economic inclusion in Bhutan. Because of this, remote areas of Bhutan face various difficulties in providing physical infrastructure like banks and ATMs. One of the major benefits to India is that the global reach of the Indian local payment system will increase and digital payments between the two countries will increase. This will facilitate transactions in tourism and cross-border trade. To promote cashless transactions in Bhutan,
The integration of Bhutan's Druckren with India's National Knowledge Network is an important collaboration in the field of e-learning. This integration will ensure safe and fast communication between the two countries' universities, research institutes, libraries, health services and agricultural institutes. This cooperation is important for the young citizens of Bhutan who want world class courses and study materials to be available in their country.
Cooperation in the space sector is mainly aimed at enhancing Bhutan's ability to use South Asia satellite services through the construction of 'Ground Earth Station' and 'SATCOM' by ISRO. This initiative has given impetus to tele-medicine, tele-education and disaster management in Bhutan. The agreement for the development and launch of a small satellite built by young Bhutanese scientists in India is a foregone conclusion in the space sector.
Conclusion
While focusing on the traditional aspects of bilateral relations, the focus of India-Bhutan relations in the digital age has been on the youth. Bhutan is striving to develop a digital and space sector to meet the aspirations of its new generation, and India has taken steps to help it succeed in developing this mountainous nation.
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