India-Bhutan’s friendship is not about years, it’s about generations; MEA Sushma with Future King of Bhutan

New Delhi, October 31: India-Bhutan’s relations are blooming day by day when Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj met the King and Queen of Bhutan along with their Gyalsey (Prince). India-Bhutan’s historical relations too have vital roles to play in each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. MEA Sushma Swaraj shook hands with Future King of Bhutan. 

India has always been a silent yet staunch ‘guide’ for Bhutan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi after becoming the Prime Minister, visited Bhutan for the first time as PM. This was another heartwarming visit to boost and strengthen the mutual ties between India and Bhutan. Bhutan has been one of the friendliest neighbours of India. Be it the love for the Himalayas, cultural heritage or values, India and Bhutan have shared close ties for a very long time. Both the countries share ties in many areas like their foreign policy, defence and commerce.

 

This was the treaty signed between India-Bhutan: “India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty”. The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan:

• Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity;
• Recalling the historical relations that have existed between our two countries;
• Recognizing with deep satisfaction the manner in which these relations have evolved and matured over the years into a model of good neighbourly relations;
• Being fully committed to further strengthening this enduring and mutually beneficial relationship based on genuine goodwill and friendship, shared interests, and close understanding and cooperation. 

The face-off between India and China took place after Bhutanese troops registered a protest against Chinese military building of a road on the plateau. Indian troops stationed in the area under a special security pact between India and Bhutan intervened after the Chinese troops ignored the Bhutanese warnings. The Chinese road construction plans also had India worried that Beijing could cut off the Indian mainland’s access to its northeastern states. In a Doklam stand-off, where the Bhutan would have become the ‘grave’ victim if India wouldn’t interfered in stopping the Chinese troops. For the first time, the Chinese troops were supposedly made to get off from the Doklam plateau. This has really secured Bhutan and the mutual bond has defined another level.

 

Also, our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first foreign visit to Bhutan which made the mutual ties even stronger. The government of India has always been keen to support the Himalayan Kingdom for its socio-economic development. India rejoices in Bhutan's remarkable economic growth and its progress and prosperity. PM Modi earlier during his visit to Bhutan expressed India’s commitment to continuing unstinted support to Bhutan in its development efforts.