By: Monu Kumar
During the 2-day meeting held between officials from the Government of India and Bhutan’s Office of International Boundaries in New Delhi amid discussions to review matters concerning boundary-related fieldwork; India and Bhutan on Friday expressed satisfaction at the work completed by respective field survey teams and other stakeholders on the issue. The two sides also discussed the potential for technological and capacity-building collaboration relating to survey and boundary-related work, as per the priorities of both governments.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian side was led by Surveyor General of India Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, while Dasho Letho T. Tangbi, Secretary, International Boundaries, in the Government of Bhutan, headed the delegation from Bhutan. Both sides also finalised the work plan for the next three field seasons.
A statement issued by the MEA read - India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, underpinned by mutual trust, shared values, and utmost goodwill at all levels. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and is in keeping with the tradition of regular dialogues in all sectors of bilateral cooperation.
India and Bhutan share a common perception of their strategic interests and cooperate closely on security issues and border management. India is also Bhutan’s largest trade and development partner and the source of supplies of most of the essential commodities imported by Bhutan.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated last month how India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy since 2014 has made significant progress.