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The two Foreign Secretaries will co-chair the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to embark on his first official visit abroad since taking over the role, with a scheduled visit to Bhutan from July 19-20, 2024.
The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and underscores the highest priority Government of India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its announcement on Thursday (July 11, 2024).
During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri will have the honour of receiving an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Additionally, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade DN Dhungyel, Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, and other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
The two Foreign Secretaries will co-chair the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, also known as the 'Plan Talks', which focus on developmental cooperation and mutual interests.
Focus on Development Cooperation
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan on March 21-22, 2024, reinforcing the strong ties and mutual trust between the neighboring countries. During his visit, PM Modi met with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. He also held discussions with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, covering a range of bilateral and regional issues.
The visit was marked by several significant outcomes, including PM Modi being conferred with the highest civilian award of Bhutan, the "Order of the Druk Gyalpo". This gesture symbolized the close and friendly relations between the two nations. Additionally, the visit resulted in the signing of seven agreements, including substantial financial aid for Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan, amounting to over 5,000 crores. Plans to double this amount for the upcoming 13th Five Year Plan were also discussed.
The focus on developmental cooperation was evident in the completion of major infrastructure projects such as the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydro-electric Project and the soon-to-be-completed 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project. Furthermore, connectivity projects linking Bhutan with Assam and West Bengal through two rail projects were highlighted, alongside significant investments in skill development and healthcare infrastructure.
Prime Minister Modi's visit came less than a week after Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited India from March 14-18, 2024.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck earlier visited India from November 3-10, 2023. His visit included meetings with Prime Minister Modi, the External Affairs Minister, and other senior officials. The King of Bhutan also visited the states of Assam and Maharashtra, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Strategic Importance of India-Bhutan Ties
The close ties between India and Bhutan are rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill. The India-Bhutan Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949, amended in 2007, and the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1968, have laid a strong foundation for this enduring partnership. India's support for Bhutan's membership in international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank has also been pivotal.
The upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Misri comes at a time when regional dynamics are increasingly influenced by geopolitical factors. China's growing influence in South Asia, including its territorial claims over Bhutan, has added a layer of complexity to the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. The Doklam standoff in 2017 and China's subsequent construction activities in Bhutanese claimed territories have underscored the strategic importance of India-Bhutan relations.
India's commitment to Bhutan's development and security is further highlighted by its support for Bhutan’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category and its aspiration to become a high-income nation by 2034. The recent visit of PM Modi reaffirmed India's stance as a reliable partner and friend to Bhutan, pledging continued support and cooperation in various sectors.
The upcoming visit by Foreign Secretary Misri is expected to build on these strong foundations, exploring new avenues for cooperation and addressing mutual concerns. The India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks will be a crucial platform for discussing future projects and initiatives that benefit both nations.
In conclusion, the visit of Foreign Secretary Misri to Bhutan underscores the exceptional neighborly ties between India and Bhutan. It reaffirms India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its commitment to fostering a partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals. As the two nations continue to navigate regional challenges and opportunities, their enduring friendship remains a cornerstone of stability and cooperation in South Asia.
The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, and underscores the highest priority Government of India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its announcement on Thursday (July 11, 2024).
During his visit, Foreign Secretary Misri will have the honour of receiving an audience with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Additionally, he will hold talks with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade DN Dhungyel, Foreign Secretary Pema Choden, and other senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
The two Foreign Secretaries will co-chair the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, also known as the 'Plan Talks', which focus on developmental cooperation and mutual interests.
Focus on Development Cooperation
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan on March 21-22, 2024, reinforcing the strong ties and mutual trust between the neighboring countries. During his visit, PM Modi met with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. He also held discussions with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, covering a range of bilateral and regional issues.
The visit was marked by several significant outcomes, including PM Modi being conferred with the highest civilian award of Bhutan, the "Order of the Druk Gyalpo". This gesture symbolized the close and friendly relations between the two nations. Additionally, the visit resulted in the signing of seven agreements, including substantial financial aid for Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan, amounting to over 5,000 crores. Plans to double this amount for the upcoming 13th Five Year Plan were also discussed.
The focus on developmental cooperation was evident in the completion of major infrastructure projects such as the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydro-electric Project and the soon-to-be-completed 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project. Furthermore, connectivity projects linking Bhutan with Assam and West Bengal through two rail projects were highlighted, alongside significant investments in skill development and healthcare infrastructure.
Prime Minister Modi's visit came less than a week after Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited India from March 14-18, 2024.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck earlier visited India from November 3-10, 2023. His visit included meetings with Prime Minister Modi, the External Affairs Minister, and other senior officials. The King of Bhutan also visited the states of Assam and Maharashtra, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Strategic Importance of India-Bhutan Ties
The close ties between India and Bhutan are rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill. The India-Bhutan Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949, amended in 2007, and the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1968, have laid a strong foundation for this enduring partnership. India's support for Bhutan's membership in international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank has also been pivotal.
The upcoming visit of Foreign Secretary Misri comes at a time when regional dynamics are increasingly influenced by geopolitical factors. China's growing influence in South Asia, including its territorial claims over Bhutan, has added a layer of complexity to the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan. The Doklam standoff in 2017 and China's subsequent construction activities in Bhutanese claimed territories have underscored the strategic importance of India-Bhutan relations.
India's commitment to Bhutan's development and security is further highlighted by its support for Bhutan’s graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category and its aspiration to become a high-income nation by 2034. The recent visit of PM Modi reaffirmed India's stance as a reliable partner and friend to Bhutan, pledging continued support and cooperation in various sectors.
The upcoming visit by Foreign Secretary Misri is expected to build on these strong foundations, exploring new avenues for cooperation and addressing mutual concerns. The India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks will be a crucial platform for discussing future projects and initiatives that benefit both nations.
In conclusion, the visit of Foreign Secretary Misri to Bhutan underscores the exceptional neighborly ties between India and Bhutan. It reaffirms India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its commitment to fostering a partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals. As the two nations continue to navigate regional challenges and opportunities, their enduring friendship remains a cornerstone of stability and cooperation in South Asia.
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