India trusted partner of Bhutan: PM Tshering Tobgay

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay heaped praises on his Indian counterpart and expressed his deep appreciation for India's role as a reliable, trusted and valued partner in his country's developmental priorities.

In their talks on Thursday night, the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral ties in various areas, including infrastructure development, connectivity, energy, hydropower cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and development cooperation, officials said. "They (Modi and Tobgay) reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the special and unique India-Bhutan friendship," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "The Prime Minister of Bhutan conveyed his deep appreciation for India's role as a reliable, trusted and valued partner in Bhutan's developmental priorities."

Tobgay's first overseas trip since assuming office in January came days before PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Bhutan, often described as India's closest neighbour, on February 21-22.Ahead of Tobgay's trip, the Indian cabinet cleared two memorandums of understanding with Bhutan, including on extending cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation measures. As part of the MoU, India aims to assist Bhutan to enhance energy efficiency in the household sector by promoting star labelling developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The formulation of building codes, to suite the climate condition of Bhutan, will be facilitated based on India's experience. Besides, creation of a pool of energy professionals in Bhutan is envisaged by institutionalising training of energy auditors.


The cabinet also approved the signing of an agreement between Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, health ministry and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India regarding cooperation in food safety.