India-Bhutan friendship based on trust and mutual understanding’: Jt statement

India and Bhutan have recognized that a long-term development partnership reflects strong ties of cooperation and friendship based on trust and mutual understanding, a joint statement by the two countries said on Wednesday.

The document was released a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Kesar Namkhel Wangchuck held wide-ranging talks to further expand the already close ties between the two countries.

The talks between Modi and the king came days after Bhutanese Prime Minister Lode Tshering said China has an equal say in resolving the border dispute over the Doklam tri-junction.

Dishering’s comments were seen by many in New Delhi as an attempt by the Himalayan nation to cozy up to Beijing, but Bhutan said there was no change in its stance on the tri-junction border issue.

“India and Bhutan share an exemplary bilateral relationship characterized by trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels, strong friendship and close people-to-people contacts,” the joint statement said.

It said Modi and the King agreed to work closely together for progress and development in the region as economies recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The King of Bhutan shared valuable perspective and insights into the significant reform processes underway in Bhutan,” it said. The King appreciated India’s continued invaluable support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.