India-Bhutan ties based on shared strategic perceptions: Pranab

Pointing out that bilateral ties were based on shared strategic perceptions, President Pranab Mukherjee has assured Bhutan that India will continue to support capacity-building efforts in the neighbouring country.

"The President said the unique and special relations of India and Bhutan are based on shared strategic perceptions, utmost trust, goodwill, transparency and sensitivity to each other’s concerns and vital interests," a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said quoting Mukherjee.

The President hosted a banquet in honour of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

"The government of India has always been happy to contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic progress by sharing its knowledge and experience with Bhutan. India would like to reassure Bhutan of its continued commitment to capacity building in Bhutan," Mukherjee said in his address during the banquet.

The President congratulated the King of Bhutan on the second successful democratic elections held in Bhutan in July 2013 and said it was due to the enlightened policy of successive Druk Gyalpos that Bhutan is known the world over for a smooth transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy.

The President said "the government and people of India attach the highest priority to relations with Bhutan. It would be India's endeavour to further strengthen these ties in a spirit of partnership for mutual benefit."

Responding to the President, the spokesperson said, the King said "India was like a home away from home for him."

"Bhutan and India have common security interests. It is grateful for the generous assistance extended by India for its economic development. He reiterated Bhutan’s commitment to see the relations become stronger," the King was quoted as saying.

The King said "India was crucial to Bhutan’s plans for the future and Bhutan requires India’s support as it consolidated its democracy and made economic progress."

Image: President Pranab Mukherjee with King of Bhutan Jigme Kheser Namgyel Wangchuck at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Photograph courtesy: President Pranab Mukherjee's website