New Delhi
India Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and his Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden discussed ways to further strengthen the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation in various fields and informed the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs, said, “The two Foreign Secretaries appreciated the progress of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, development partnership, cross-border connectivity, trade and economic ties, digital development, science and technology, skill development and furthering people-to-people ties.” Did.” Press release.
It was agreed that the two sides would continue to work to further strengthen such cooperation, taking into account the Joint Statement issued during the official visit of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India in April 2023. At the invitation of Kwatra, Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden paid an official visit to India from 28 to 29 July. The two Foreign Secretaries co-chaired the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Dialogue (Planning Dialogue). The Bhutanese side shared details regarding the 13th Five-Year Plan of Bhutan.
Foreign Secretary Kwatra conveyed India’s commitment to partner with Bhutan based on the priorities of the Government and people of Bhutan and to take the bilateral partnership forward, including in new areas, according to an MEA press release. India is expanding its technological footprint through digital and space cooperation, while Bhutan is benefiting from India’s investments and know-how in transforming these sectors in Bhutan.
The socio-economic progress and territorial integrity of Bhutan have always been a priority in the context of India’s foreign policy objectives. The visit of the Bhutanese King to India was an attempt to strengthen and reaffirm ties between the two neighbours. Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday. India and Bhutan share an exemplary bilateral relationship, which is based on utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels, strong bonds of friendship and close people-to-people ties. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit of the Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Strengthened the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries to discuss all issues of interest.
