India-Bhutan Relations — Legal Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Treaty Revision 2007	2007	The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was comprehensively revised in 2007, replacing the 1949 treaty. The key change was replacing the phrase that Bhutan would be 'guided by' India's advice on external relations with 'coordination between India and Bhutan on foreign policy and security issues of mutual interest.' The revision also strengthened provisions for economic cooperation and established new mechanisms for regular consultations.	This revision marked the evolution from a protectorate-like arrangement to a more equal partnership while maintaining the special nature of bilateral relations. It provided Bhutan with greater autonomy in foreign policy while preserving India's security interests and demonstrated how bilateral treaties can adapt to changing political circumstances and democratic transitions.