In a significant diplomatic move, India’s Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, embarked on a three-day visit to Bhutan, marking the first high-level interaction between the two nations following the formation of the new government under Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The visit aims to strengthen and expand the multifaceted cooperation between India and Bhutan across various sectors.
The diplomatic engagement kicked off with a meeting between Foreign Secretary Kwatra and Prime Minister Tobgay at the Prime Minister’s Office in Gyalyong Tshogkhang. Discussions covered a wide range of mutual interests, including development partnership, space, energy, trade, technology, economic ties, and people-to-people connections, as reported by The Bhutanese newspaper.
To further enhance diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Tobgay hosted a dinner for Foreign Secretary Kwatra and his delegation at his residence. Additionally, bilateral consultations were held with Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary, Aum Pema Choden, reinforcing the commitment to a comprehensive and collaborative partnership.
Against the backdrop of ongoing boundary negotiations between China and Bhutan, the visit gains strategic significance for India. The resolution of the boundary dispute holds potential implications for India’s security interests, particularly in the Doklam tri-junction. Both China and Bhutan have expressed a desire for an expeditious resolution, raising the stakes in the region.
The visit is part of the regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan, emphasizing the enduring tradition of strong ties. Foreign Secretary Kwatra’s audience with His Majesty The King, along with meetings with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other senior officials, underscores the commitment to reviewing and strengthening the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
Tshering Tobgay assumed the role of Prime Minister after his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), secured victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan have been closely watched, especially in the wake of Bhutan’s previous Foreign Minister affirming the country’s adherence to the one-China principle during talks with Chinese counterparts.
In a separate development, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela, paid courtesy calls on the newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tobgay and Foreign Minister D N Dhungyel. Expressing India’s commitment to deepening the exemplary ties between the two nations, Ambassador Dalela conveyed greetings from India’s leadership.
As Bhutan undergoes a political transition with the PDP assuming leadership, the diplomatic engagements between India and Bhutan hold the promise of further enhancing the unique and longstanding friendship between the two neighboring nations. The ongoing dialogue reflects the shared commitment to reinforcing diplomatic, economic, and cultural bonds, ultimately contributing to regional stability and cooperation.