The mystery behind Bhutan's close-knit global diplomatic ties

Bhutan maintains formal diplomatic ties with a surprisingly small number of countries — just 58 of the other 192 UN member states.

Notably, as of now, it does not have formal ties with any of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France.

This is because the country has long prioritised sovereignty, cultural preservation, and its unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness over broad global entanglements. Its monarch and government steer its foreign relations in accordance with Article 20 of its Constitution.

Despite its cautious stance, Bhutan formally established relations with the Philippines on October 6. Just days later, it signed a similar agreement with Qatar on October 16, 2025.

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The recent tie-ups with the Philippines and Qatar show Bhutan is willing to connect when it suits its interests.

The country's ambassador to India, Major General Vetsop Namgyel, in a joint statement with the Philippines, said, “Over the years, Bhutan has benefited from education and training opportunities in the Philippines for our students and officials, through the Colombo Plan, the Asian Development Bank, and the JICA Third Country Program. Many Bhutanese students have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in Philippine universities.”

The kingdom hoped to reap the benefits of its relations with Qatar as well.

"The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bhutan and the State of Qatar reflects the shared desire of the two countries to strengthen cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels," a joint statement from the two countries read.

Why Bhutan’s relations are unique

While most countries maintain hundreds of bilateral relationships, Bhutan has deliberately kept its circle small. This limited outreach reflects its focus on sovereignty, stability, and balance.

By maintaining fewer formal ties, Bhutan protects its culture and decision-making from outside influence. Its closest and most important partner remains India, a relationship built on history, security, and economic cooperation

Geographically, Bhutan is situated between India and China, making its foreign policy a careful balancing act. Border issues with China continue to shape its cautious diplomacy.

The absence of ties with major powers such as the U.S., China and the rest exemplifies Bhutan's commitment to a controlled and purposeful engagement with the world.

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