Bhutan: The Tiny Himalayan Nation with Modest Military but Strong Strategic Position
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Bhutan, a serene Himalayan kingdom nestled between India and China, is often portrayed as Asia’s “weakest” country in military terms. Unlike its neighbors, Bhutan does not maintain a navy or an air force. Being landlocked, the absence of a navy is natural, while air defense and transport needs are supported by the Indian Air Force under a long-standing security arrangement.
The country’s standing army, known as the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), is modest in size with roughly 7,000–8,000 personnel. Alongside the Royal Bodyguards and Royal Bhutan Police, the RBA is tasked with safeguarding Bhutan’s sovereignty. Its primary focus remains internal security, border management, and assisting in times of natural disasters.
Despite its limited defense resources, Bhutan’s geopolitical importance is significant. Strategically located near the India–China border and the sensitive Doklam plateau, Bhutan holds a critical position in regional security dynamics. The 2017 Doklam standoff highlighted how Bhutan’s territory plays into larger geopolitical rivalries between India and China.
Culturally rooted in Buddhism and dedicated to Gross National Happiness rather than military might, Bhutan has deliberately chosen a path of peace and limited militarization. While the nation may appear militarily weak on paper, its close ties with India and its challenging mountain terrain provide it with a unique defensive shield.
Thus, Bhutan is not defined merely by the size of its army. Its strategic alliances, cultural identity, and geographical position ensure that it remains a respected and secure nation despite its modest military strength.
