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Bhutan Friendship Treaty updated |
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10 January, 2007- Bhutan and India have reviewed and updated the India Bhutan Friendship Treaty which was signed 57 years ago, on August 8, 1949, in Darjeeling, India, according to a press release from the ministry of foreign affairs. The press release, released simultaneously in Thimphu and New Delhi on January 8, states that the updated treaty not only reflects the contemporary nature of the relationship between the two countries but also provides a foundation for the continued growth of this excellent relationship in the 21st century. |
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“It also aims to consolidate the mutually
beneficial relationship in a manner that is responsive to and
serves each other’s national interest through close cooperation
and will also enable the further intensification of relations
in areas like hydropower cooperation, trade and commerce, and
human resource development,” the press release states.
According to the two governments the finalisation of the friendship treaty reflects their desire to put in place a sound framework for the future growth of Indo-Bhutan relations following the recent transfer of responsibilities as Monarch by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth Druk Gyalpo, and the establishment of parliamentary democracy in Bhutan in 2008. The press release also points out that, as Bhutan’s closest friend and neighbour, the exemplary relationship between India and Bhutan was nurtured by the leaders of both countries since the historic visit to Bhutan by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958. “It is a tribute to India’s unfailing friendship and support that Bhutan, today, is able to stand by side with India in the international community as a close friend and ally,” the press release states. “Our two countries have successfully built up an enduring and mutually beneficial relationship based on genuine goodwill and friendship, shared interests, and close understanding and cooperation that stand out today as a model of bilateral relations between neighbouring countries.” The two governments have been discussing the updating of the treaty over the past few years to bring it in conformity with the expanded nature of the relationship. The final stages of the discussions were conducted during the visit to India by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck in July, 2006, and the visits to Bhutan by Foreign Secretary Mr. Shivshankar Menon in October, 2006, and India’s External Affairs Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, in December, 2006. The two governments have reached agreement on the text of the updated treaty. The India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty is expected to be formally signed in India by His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the fifth Druk Gyalpo.
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