India to increase momentum in ties with Bhutan

NEW DELHI: New Delhi assured Bhutan it would address concerns raised on hydropower cooperation and decided to step up high-level contacts as part of its strategy to bring more warmth into ties with the country.

The efforts to bring in a new momentum in ties, including frequent contacts at the high level, comes in the wake of an assessment that Doklam-like trouble at the India-bhutan-tibet tri-junction might not be over yet.

National security adviser Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar visited Bhutan and India rolled out a red-carpet visit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who was accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk and Prince Jigme Namgyal Wangchuk. “The countries have decided to make the high-level visit to India a norm to strengthen the strong ties. Indian leaders and officials assured Bhutan that New Delhi remains a reliable partner in its socio-economic development,” said an official.