Indian External Affairs Secretary in Bhutan to discuss issues of mutual interest with King, Prime Minister

Issues of mutual interest between the two countries were understood to have been discussed

RAJESH SHARMA, EOI, JAIGAON, JANUARY 30, 2024 : Secretary External Affairs Vinay Mohan Kwatra reached Bhutan on Monday on a thee-day official visit. He met Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay on Monday evening at the office of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of Bhutan later hosted a dinner for the Secretary External Affairs and his delegation at the residence of the former. Kwatra also met Foreign Minister of Bhutan D. N. Dhungyel.

In the course of his visit, the Secretary External Affairs will also receive an audience with King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel.

In the course of the visit of the Secretary External Affairs, issues of mutual interest between the two countries were understood to have been discussed. Some of the steps initiated between Bhutan and China for the speedy resolution of the boundary dispute between the two countries have been a cause of concern in India lest the terms of the settlement compromise vital Indian interests in Bhutan. The previous regime in Bhutan has signed with China a three-step roadmap and lately a memorandum of understanding for the resolution of the boundary issue. China is also understood to be applying pressure on Bhutan to agree to the opening of a Chinese embassy in Bhutan and also to accept the Belt and Road Initiative.

Another thorny issue is the decision by the previous government in Bhutan to levy Sustainable Development Fee from Indian tourists which has affected the flow of Ihndian tourists to Bhutan; thus standing in the way of people-to-people relations between the two countries. On the very first day of the formation of the new government in Bhutan, however, the collection of Nu 10 at the Phuentsholing pedestrian terminal was halted by an executive order. The move is in keeping with the commitment of the Tshering Tobgay government to reduce inconveniences faced by individuals entering and leaving the country, for citizens and visitors alike.