India and Bhutan Hold Talks to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

• 01 Aug 2023

Recently, India’s Foreign Secretary and his Bhutanese counterpart held discussions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Key Points:

• Progress on Bilateral Cooperation: Both Foreign Secretaries appreciated the progress in cooperation across diverse sectors, including energy, development partnership, cross-border connectivity, trade, digital development, science, technology, skill development, and people-to-people ties.
• Continued Cooperation: The two sides agreed to continue working together to enhance cooperation, in line with the Joint Statement issued during the official visit of Bhutan's King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, to India in April 2023.
• Bhutan's Five Year Plan: During the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks (Plan Talks), the Bhutanese side shared details about Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan.
• India's Commitment to Partnership: Indian Foreign Secretary assured Bhutan of India's commitment to partnering with Bhutan based on its priorities and advancing the bilateral partnership into newer areas.
• Technological Collaboration: India is expanding its technological footprint through digital and space collaboration, benefiting Bhutan through investments and expertise in these areas.
• Priority on Bhutan's Socio-economic Progress and Territorial Integrity: India places Bhutan's socioeconomic progress and territorial integrity as a top priority in its foreign policy objectives, strengthening the bond between the two neighboring countries.
• High-Level Exchanges: The visit of Bhutan's Foreign Secretary reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan to discuss mutual interests.
• Strong Bilateral Relationship: India and Bhutan share an exemplary bilateral relationship marked by trust, goodwill, mutual understanding, strong friendship, and close people-to-people ties.
• Reaffirming Friendship: The visit of Bhutan's Foreign Secretary reaffirmed and strengthened the relationship between the two countries.