NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with visiting Bhutan King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, expressing admiration for his vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development, while reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing the “unique and enduring” partnership between the two countries.
A joint statement said India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterised by mutual understanding, trust and exceptional cooperation at all levels. The discussions were held in a spirit of profound friendship, and reflected the strong historical ties, goodwill and understanding that exist between the two countries, it added.
The king’s day-long visit came against the backdrop of China’s efforts to resolve the boundary issue with Thimphu and to establish formal diplomatic ties with the country. Earlier in the day, external affairs minister S Jaishankar welcomed the king and also called on him later to discuss bilateral issues. Modi and the king discussed progress in implementation of the latter’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region located close to the border with India and how India and Bhutan can work on the project for the betterment of the two peoples and the region. According to Bhutan, the GMC is an innovative urban development project that integrates economic growth with mindfulness, holistic living, and sustainability.
“Prime Minister reassured His Majesty of India’s continued support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries,” said the joint statement.