PM reiterate India’s total support for Bhutan
New Delhi, 04 April (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan on Tuesday and reiterated India’s continued support for socio-economic reforms for the kingdom.
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is on a three-day visit to India. In a special press briefing on his visit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that the fundamental basis of India-Bhutan relations is a deep friendship, positive outlook, cooperation and collaboration. He informed that during the talks between the King of Bhutan and Modi, all issues of bilateral and national interest were discussed on Tuesday.
The Foreign Secretary informed that in the meeting between the Prime Minister and the King of Bhutan, it was agreed that India would increase its assistance for the forthcoming 13th Five-Year Plan of Bhutan. India will work to extend an additional standby credit facility. Will work to shape a long-term sustainable regime for the export of agricultural products from Bhutan. At the same time, we will also work to develop long-term bilateral arrangements to ensure the supply of vital commodities such as petroleum and coal.
On the India-Bhutan and China border issue, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that India is closely monitoring developments affecting national interest and will take all necessary measures. India closely monitors all developments that have a bearing on our national interest and will take all necessary measures necessary to safeguard them.
In response to a question, the Foreign Secretary said that tourists coming to Bhutan have to pay $200 per day. 1200 for India and it is very cheap. Right now this has been done on an experimental basis and it will be seen later on what kind of circumstances arise.
