Celebrating 50 years of rock strong bond, India-Bhutan strengthens their diplomatic relations

New Delhi, February 21: Embarking 50 years of diplomatic relationship of India and Bhutan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj believes that the year 2018 is a milestone moment for India-Bhutan partnership and an opportunity to reflect further advancing ties between the two countries and celebrating the accomplishments of the last five decades of the time-tested and special bonding of the countries. Along with this there are around 50 commemorative events and exchanges, cultural and sporting activities would be held across different states in India and Bhutan to mark the occasion.

While speaking on the special occasion conducted to mark the celebration, Sushma Swaraj said, the celebrations will reflect the bonding of the two countries and also enhance the diplomatic relation to strengthen the unique partnership they share. She further emphasized that the relation could respond to the hopes and aspirations of the people and brings out common prosperity and better future. The unique partnership between the two states has been built on the historical and cultural linkages.

As a country, India has a special and exemplary relationship of friendship and cooperation and the mutual respect that it shares with Bhutan. Along with this the Minister also welcomed the opening of a Consulate of Bhutan in Guwahati to further strengthen contacts and cooperation for the mutual benefit of both the countries. The relation has also shaped much by history, culture and geopolitical realities enhancing the wise and visionary leadership of the two countries.

 

With Wednesday also happening to be the birthday of King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Sushma Swaraj extended India's warmest greetings to the King and wished him "good health, happiness and continued success in his pursuit of peace and prosperity for the friendly people" of Bhutan . Under his leardership, the last 12 years of Bhutan has seen maturity in their democracy and realizing over all development.

India and Bhutan share a unique relationship with New Delhi being a leading development aid partner for the Himalayan kingdom. There are a number of institutional mechanisms between India and Bhutan in areas such as security, border management, trade, transit, economic, hydro-power, development cooperation and water resources.

India has set up three hydroelectric projects (HEPs) in Bhutan totalling 1,416 MW, which are operational and exporting surplus power to India. About three-fourths of the power generated is exported and the rest is used for domestic consumption.

Thus the relationship between the two countries ought to remain strong as rock and strengthen the bond of diplomatic relationship.