In a meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan reviewed bilateral relations and spoke about matters of national importance in light of Bhutan's renewed efforts to demarcate portions of its border with China and the uncertainty surrounding the Doklam tri-junction.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that ties with Bhutan were based on shared values, including mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns. He also said that the government was closely monitoring all developments that had an impact on India's national interests and would take all necessary steps to safeguard those. The government restated past statements it had made regarding the Doklam situation, according to which tri-junctions had to be decided after consulting with all relevant nations. “I would say that India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests, including security. I would only reiterate earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly bring out our position on tri-junction boundary points,” said Kwatra on the Doklam issue, while not denying that the boundary issue was discussed in the King’s meeting with Modi.
PM reiterates support to Bhutan’s development
India maintains that any attempt to determine the tri-junction must be in line with the 2012 agreement between India and China that the tri-junction boundary points between India, China and third countries “will be finalised in consultation with the concerned countries”.
The meeting also saw Modi reiterating India’s continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan, said the foreign secretary.
The two sides agreed that India would step up its support for Bhutan’s upcoming 13th Five Year Plan.