Embassy of India

2002-03

A. Excerpts from MEA Annual report wrt Bhutan

India shares a relationship based on close friendship, good neighborliness and mutual trust with Bhutan underpinned by a strong and diverse mutually beneficial partnership in the sphere of economic and social development. Reflecting the strong and cordial relationship, the exchange of frequent high-level and official visits continued between the two countries during the year.

The Minister of External Affairs Shri Yashwant Sinha visited Bhutan from 4-6 August 2002 and had extensive discussions with King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Foreign Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley and Trade and Industries Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk. Foreign Secretary Shri Kanwal Sibal visited Bhutan from 28-30 October 2002 and had high level interactions. During these visits the issue of presence of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and Bodo militants in southern Bhutan was discussed detail. Government of Bhutan reiterated that they would not allow their territory to be misused against the interests of India. Bhutanese leadership assured India of their full cooperation to end terrorism in India perpetrated from militant camps in Bhutan. The two Governments continue to be in close touch with each other on the issue. The eightieth session of the National Assembly of Bhutan in June 2002 also reiterated the urgency in to evict the militants.

India continues to be a major contributor to Bhutan's five-year's plans, the first of which commenced in 1961. The Eighth Five Year Plan (1 July 1997-30 June 2002) concluded in 2002. Government of India provided assistance towards projects in mutually beneficial sectors including power, infrastructure, roads and bridges, culture, education, health, etc. India is committed to assist Bhutan during its ongoing Ninth Five Year Plan. The relative contribution of India has come down over the five-year plans in percentage terms because of enhanced revenue generation within Bhutan from earlier Indian aided projects.

The 60 MW Kurichu Hydel Project commenced operations in June 2002. The 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project is proceeding apace and is scheduled for commissioning by 2005/2006. Because of low domestic requirement in Bhutan, almost the entire production of these three projects will be exported to India.

Queen Mother of Bhutan Her majesty Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck visited India on a private visit in December 2002. A 23-member delegation, comprising Members of the National Assembly of Bhutan (Chimis). representing the 20 Dzongkhgags (districts) visited India in November 2002. The Chimis, who are members of the Constitution Drafting Committee constituted by the King, had meetings with the Standing Committee of Parliament on External Affairs and the Election Commission of India. A seven-member delegation, led by a senior ranking monk in the Bhutan's monastic order Jamgon Rimpchey visited India in December 2002.