NEW DELHI: A day after the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the two countries said in a joint statement that they shared an exemplary bilateral relationship characterised by trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels, strong bonds of friendship and close people-to-people contacts.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of Bhutan‘s boundary talks with China and uncertainty over the disputed Doklam tri-junction point that India wants resolved in line with its 2012 agreement or understanding with China that tri-junctions have to be finalised in consultation with all concerned countries.
According to the joint statement, Bhutan expressed appreciation to India for extending ‘standby credit facility’ at a reduced interest rate and extended settlement period, and for providing an additional currency swap support of $200 million. “The Indian side agreed to positively consider Bhutan’s request for a period of five years,” it said.
The statement said the King conveyed appreciation for the support that India continued to provide for Bhutan’s socio-economic development. It was also agreed to extend India-Bhutan energy partnership in the area of non-hydro renewables, such as solar and wind and green initiatives.
“On the proposed tri-lateral hydropower cooperation among Bhutan, Bangladesh and India, both sides expressed their commitment towards greater sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector,” it said.