With an aim to further bolster India-Bhutan ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay this evening.

The talks in New Delhi took place late Thursday evening and the two leaders talked about issues of mutual interest and enhancing trade and economic ties.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay embarked on a five-day visit to India on Thursday, with the aim of strengthening the already strong bond of friendship between the two nations. This marked his inaugural overseas visit since assuming office in January 2024, reflecting the importance both countries place on their relationship. Welcoming him at the airport was Minister of State Ashwini Kumar Choubey, signifying the warm reception accorded to the Bhutanese leader.

“The visit of Bhutan’s PM is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India & Bhutan,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on ‘X’.

During his stay, PM Tobgay met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and various other esteemed Indian dignitaries. This exchange of dialogues and ideas served to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

Accompanying PM Tobgay were several key ministers from Bhutan’s Royal Government, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment. Their presence underscored Bhutan’s commitment to fostering robust relations with India across various sectors.

The close and cordial ties between India and Bhutan are deeply rooted in trust, goodwill, and shared values, permeating through all levels of engagement. This enduring friendship serves as a cornerstone for mutual prosperity and regional stability in South Asia.

Key MoUs between India- Bhutan

Furthermore, the Union Cabinet of India on Wednesday (March 13, 2024) approved three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at further enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

These agreements cover critical areas such as the supply of petroleum products, cooperation in energy efficiency, and collaboration in food safety measures. The petroleum agreement, in particular, ensures a reliable and sustained supply of petroleum products from India to Bhutan, bolstering economic ties and facilitating growth in the hydrocarbon sector.

PM Tobgay’s visit to India symbolizes the unwavering commitment of both nations to deepening their friendship and fostering meaningful collaboration across various domains for the collective benefit of their peoples.

His visit to India coincided with ongoing discussions between China and Bhutan to resolve their border dispute, a matter with potential implications for India’s security. Bhutan had previously engaged in talks with China on this issue, with China stating that Bhutan supports their position and desires a swift resolution. India closely monitors these negotiations due to their potential impact on its security interests, particularly in the Doklam region.

In August of the preceding year, China and Bhutan agreed on a plan to address their border disagreement. This was followed by the formal signing of the agreement in October 2021. This agreement came four years after a conflict between India and China in Doklam, sparked by China’s attempt to construct a road in the area. The standoff raised concerns about the possibility of a larger conflict between the two neighboring countries.

During the conflict, Bhutan maintained that the area belonged to them, with India supporting Bhutan’s claim. The resolution of the border issue between China and Bhutan is thus of significant interest to India, given its potential impact on regional stability and security. Tobgay’s visit to India against this backdrop highlights the importance of diplomatic engagements in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.

Meanwhile …

He also met the Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda who explained to him about the party’s ideology, organisational structure and initiatives.

At the end of talks both agreed to continue the ‘party-to-party’ interaction between BJP and Bhutan’s People Democratic Party (Tobgay’s party).