Bhutan’s journey to the United Nations

Brijbir Saran Das[1], in his book “Memoirs of an Indian Diplomat, 2010” reminisced about His Majesty the Third King’s joy of happiness after the General Assembly of the United Nations approved Bhutan’s admission as a 128^th member on 21 September 1971. On the eve of the UN voting on Bhutan’s membership, His Majesty phoned Das and said, “Das, I would be keeping awake the whole night. Please let me know the voting results, whatever the time may be. You must phone me personally, I shall await your call.”[2] The voting at the UN General Assembly was to take place at 3:30 a.m., Bhutan time.

Das breathed a sigh of relief after receiving good news and rang His Majesty at 4 a.m. His Majesty who was awake said, “Das, though it is too early, but can you come immediately? I have something for you.” Das rushed to the palace and found His Majesty waiting to receive him. His Majesty embraced Das for the first time ever and said, “Thank you, my friend, for all that you have done for my country.”[3] His Majesty handed him a piece of chocolate with a cigarette which he cherished. Das recalled an emotional moment with His Majesty. For Das, it was the highest achievement in his career as the country representative while admission to the UN secured Bhutan’s destiny as an independent and sovereign nation.

Bhutan’s admission to the UN did not happen overnight. It took years of negotiation and perseverance before realising the noble vision.  Before joining the UN, His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo initiated a gradual transition of opening Bhutan to the outside world and becoming a member of the international organisation. With the support of the Indian government, Bhutan became a member of the Colombo Plan in 1962 and the Universal Postal Union in 1969. About the UN, in 1966, during a visit to India, His Majesty expressed Bhutan’s interest to join the UN and India consented to sponsor Bhutan’s membership when Bhutan meet the UN’s obligations. In the following year 1967, the National Assembly passed a resolution to join the UN.  India’s support for Bhutan joining the UN was affirmed with the visits of prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1968 and Indian president Varahagiri Venkata[4] Giri in 1970. In 1971, India officially accepted to sponsor Bhutan’s membership to the UN. Meanwhile, a team of Bhutanese diplomats were trained to open a diplomatic mission in New York. On 10 December 1970, His Majesty the King sent a letter to then Secretary-General U Thant requesting to place the application before the Security Council and General Assembly[5]. Subsequently, the Committee for the admission of members recommended the Security Council to accept Bhutan’s application. After a unanimous vote, the Security Council on 10 February 1971 recommended the General Assembly to admit Bhutan to the UN. On 21 September 1971, during its 1934^th plenary meeting, the 26^th General Assembly of the UN unanimously endorsed Bhutan’s membership and Bhutan became the 128^th member of the United Nations. Since it was a unanimous decision, there was no vote cast[6]. Bhutan’s delegation was led by His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck. His address to the UN after Bhutan’s successful admission reads, “This is a historic occasion for us and marks the realisation of one of our most cherished dreams.” His Highness thanked all the members, particularly the Republic of India for their support in admitting Bhutan to the UN.

 

 

Left- The UN Secretary-General U Thant reading out the statement and raising of Bhutan’s flag along with the Kingdoms of Qatar and Bahrain at the UN Headquarter, 21 September 1971 (Photo: Kuensel, 2021) 

Back in Bhutan, to mark Bhutan’s success in admitting as a member of the UN, the government declared three days of a national holiday. A grand celebration was organized and the archery tournament was organised on the Lungtenphu ground and celebration lasted for three days. People from all walks of life joined the celebration to mark the historic occasion[7]. It fulfilled the His Majesty’s Third Druk Gyalpo’s vision of strengthening Bhutan’s status as an independent and sovereign nation at the international level. Bhutan’s successful admission to the UN in 1971 marked a historic milestone in Bhutan's history in securing the future for generations to come.

 

Bibliography

 

Das, B. S. (2010). Memoirs of an Indian diplomat. New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited.

Kinga, S. (2020). A reflection on Bhutan’s UNO membership. Journal of Bhutan Studies, 43, 5-46.

Tashi. T. (2021, September 21). Once-in-a-lifetime event. Kuensel.

 

 

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[1] Brijbir Saran Das (1925-2012) was the first country representative of India to Bhutan. Initially, in 1968, Das was deputed as a special officer on the behalf of the Indian government in Bhutan. Later, in 1971 Das officially became the first Indian representative to Bhutan and served until 1972. Due to his close friendship with His Majesty, Das was personally saw-off by His Majesty in 1972 when he left Bhutan upon the completion of his tenure. Das described that as the most precious moment of his life.

 

[2] Memoirs of an Indian Diplomat, 2010 by B. S. Das, p.80.

[3] Memoirs of an Indian Diplomat, 2010 by B. S. Das, p.80.

[4] Varahagiri Venkata Giri (V.V. Giri, 1894-1980) became the 4^th president of the Republic of India from 1969-1974.

[5] A reflection on Bhutan’s UNO membership by Sonam Kinga

[6] A reflection on Bhutan’s UNO membership by Sonam Kinga

[7] Once in a life time event by Tshering Tashi, 2021