Thimphu/New Delhi, April 29 (FN Agency) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held productive talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji, on hydropower, connectivity, trade and health among other issues. The two also jointly inaugurated two road projects and a bus terminal financed by India. In tweets, he said: “Productive discussions with @FMBhutan Tandi Dorji. “Covered hydropower, connectivity, trade, space, health and digital issues. “Jointly inaugurated two road projects and a bus terminal financed by India. “Glad to personally hand over the 12th medical consignment as a gift from the Government of India.” Earlier, at the handing over ceremony and E-Inaugurations in Bhutan, which was attended by the Bhutanese FM, Indian Foreign Secretary-designate Vijay Mohan Kwatra and the Indian Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, the EAM said the event is a celebration of Bhutan’s success in the fight against COVID-19.
“This has been a difficult journey for all of us. I think, it is a testimony to our friendship that we have displayed the kind of solidarity that we have done in these times. I congratulate His Majesty who has led from the front, and the Government and the people of Bhutan, for the resilience that you have shown. “It is a matter of great satisfaction as well that our bilateral cooperation has continued to flourish even during this difficult period. Given our long-standing ties and special bilateral partnership, Bhutan was the natural choice to be the first country to receive the Covishield vaccines under our Vaccine Maitri Initiative,” he said. India-Bhutan financial connectivity has touched new heights through the launch of the RuPay card and the BHIM app; both countries are collaborating closely on STEM through regular placement of Bhutanese youth in our IITs, he said. Both sides have successfully linked up the Start-Up systems of our two countries via structured workshops; through the National Knowledge Network & the Druk-REN connection and the e-Library project, we have opened up new vistas of education and knowledge sharing between our two countries.
“I am also pleased to share that the INDIA BHUTAN-SAT is due to launch into space shortly.” “India’s development cooperation paradigm is unique, prompted as much by economic impulse as by moral principles and emotional bonds…It is also my honour to handover the 12th consignment of medical supplies to Bhutan, as a gift from the Government and people of India to the Government and people of Bhutan. We will continue to stand resolutely by your side through a post COVID sustainable recovery which is your current focus.” “All visits to Thimphu and to Bhutan are always memorable, but, I think this one has a very special sense. I will return with a great sense of satisfaction that our partnership is as solid as it is special, that it always delivers results, especially in face of daunting challenges as we have experienced in the last two years and above all it responds to the wishes, aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan,” he added.