External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a two-day official visit to Bhutan on September 16 at the invitation of Bhutanese Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dhungyel. He will also meet Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and receive a royal audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The visit is aimed at further strengthening the close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan and comes as New Delhi continues to place emphasis on its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
The two countries have recently stepped up cooperation in water resources and energy. In August, officials reviewed collaboration on trans-border rivers, flood management and hydrological data sharing, besides the progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. India and Bhutan have also discussed expanding cooperation in the power sector, reaffirming their long-standing partnership in energy development.
