Embassy of IndiaThimphu

2010-11

A. Excerpts from MEA Annual report wrt Bhutan

India and Bhutan share uniquely warm and special relations founded on mutual trust and understanding. Regular high-level exchange of visits, close consultations and mutually beneficial cooperation underpin relations with Bhutan.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Bhutan from 28-30 April, 2010, for the 16th SAARC Summit. Prime Minister’s bilateral engagements during the visit included audiences with HM the King of Bhutan and His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, and a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited Kolkata from 5-7 October, 2010, during which the University of Kolkata conferred upon him an Honorary Doctorate of Law. HM the King again visited India from 20-29 October, 2010 for the National Defence College Golden Jubilee celebrations, where he was Special Guest of Honour. During the visit, HM the King met our leadership, including President Smt. Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. External Affairs Minister Shri S. M. Krishna, Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of the Opposition Smt. Sushma Swaraj, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao.

Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley visited Bodh Gaya, Bihar from 24-29 September, 2010 for the 113th Annual General Meeting of the Mahabodhi Society, where he took over the Presidentship of the Society. Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar called on the Prime Minister of Bhutan. Prime Minister of Bhutan visited New Delhi from 30 October-3 November in his capacity as Chairperson of SAARC.

The Speaker of Lok Sabha Smt. Meira Kumar, led a 14 member delegation to Bhutan from 26-29 May, 2010. This was the first visit of an Indian Speaker to Bhutan. The Speaker attended the opening ceremony of the 5th session of the Parliament of Bhutan and addressed its Joint Session.

Minister of State for Finance Shri Namo Narain Meena visited Bhutan for the 4th meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers from 22-24 August, 2010. Chief of Army Staff General V. K. Singh visited Bhutan from 7-11 June, 2010.

National Security Adviser Shri Shivshankar Menon and Foreign Secretary Smt. Nirupama Rao visited Bhutan from 13-14 August, 2010. India remains committed in its support to Bhutan in its efforts towards economic and social development.

India continued to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan. Relations between the two countries gained momentum with the deepening and widening of bilateral cooperation in the areas of hydropower development, information and communication technology, health, industry, education and culture. Work on two new hydropower projects commenced.

The SAARC Inter-Sessional Council of Ministers meeting was held in Thimphu from 8-9 February, 2011, during which the Minister of External Affairs met the HM the King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

B. Budget allocation to Bhutan under India’s Technical Cooperation Programme

B. List of MoUs signed between India and Bhutan in 2010

C. Details of Incoming Visits by Heads of State / Heads of Government / Vice Presidents / Foreign Ministers and Equivalent to India in 2010

D. Details of Outgoing Visits by President / Vice President / Prime Minister / EAM in 2010