This book 'Indo-Bhutan Relations in Modern Times: A Study of Bilateral Relations' is the first of its kind reflecting the multidimensional aspects of relations between India and Bhutan, two south Asian countries to have been in a bond of Model Relationship, environed by the Himalayas and its neighbourhood, so far considered the best between a big and a small country in the world. Apart from the issues of strategic, communicational, cultural and security-related interdependence and India's overall contribution to the economic and infrastructural development of modern Bhutan, the book has highlighted the points of discord and the alarming things in gestation that may tarnish the so-called model relationship, and that is more in view of the growing bilateral understanding and frequent dialogues between China and Bhutan. Incidents like the assassination of the Bhutanese Prime Minister, Tibetan Refugee Crisis, annexation of Sikkim, movements and terrorists' activities organized by the Nepalese in Southern Bhutan following the ouster of thousands of Nepalese from Bhutan on the heels of nationalization drive by the Bhutanese Government and the Indian terrorists of the ULFA, NDFB and the KLO hiding in Bhutanese jungles have been analysed in detail. So far untouched materials like the discussions and resolutions relating to India in Bhutan's National Assembly have been explored.

Dr. Sailen Debnath, Associate Professor, Department of History, Alipurduar College, has been engrossed in the studies of the intellectual history of South Asia, the Far-East and Europe as well as the history of Bengal, North Bengal and Bhutan for the last many years. He has authored pioneering books namely (1) 'The Meanings of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and Myths', (Rupa & Co, New Delhi.); (2) 'Secularism: Western and Indian', (Atlantic Publishers, New Delhi); (3) 'Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: His Philosophy, Political Thought and Contribution' (Abhijeet Publications, New Delhi); (4) 'Human Rights in the Context of Caste, Class and Gender in India' (Abhijeet Publications, New Delhi); (5) Kamatapur: An Unexplored History of Eastern India (650-1498), Aayu Publications, New Delhi; (6) The Koch-Rajbanshis from Panchanan to Greater Cooch Behar Movement, Aayu Publications, New Delhi; (7) 'The Dooars in Historical Transition', (NL Publ.); (8) 'Essays on Cultural History of North Bengal', (NL Publ.), (9) 'West Bengal in Doldrums', (NL Publ.), including an edited book, (10) 'Social and Political Tensions in North Bengal Since 1947'. The present work 'Indo-Bhutan Relations in Modern Times: A Study of Bilateral Relations' was sponsored and financed by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi.