New Delhi
8 February 2007
"Close friends and equal partners" India and Bhutan on Thursday
signed a new Friendship Treaty that updates the treaty signed in Darjeeling on August 8,
1949. The new Treaty removes provisions that have become obsolete over time and
allows Bhutan more freedom in foreign and defence policies.
The "India Bhutan Friendship Treaty 2007" was signed at the Hyderabad House in the
presence of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh.
The updated Treaty removes provisions which have become obsolete over time; it now
includes fresh provisions for consolidating and expanding economic cooperation for
mutual and long-term benefit, and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health,
sports, and science and technology.
New Delhi has said that the signing of the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty marks a
historic moment in our relations with Bhutan.
"[It] reflects our mutual desire to enhance our relationship to an even higher level of
cooperation and goodwill to meet the aspirations of our two peoples for a better life," the
spokesman of Ministry of External Affairs said.
The spokesman went on to state: "[It] opens a new era in the further deepening and
strengthening of this unique and special relationship under the reign of the Fifth Druk
Gyalpo of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck."
On the occasion, King Jigme Khesar said that the Treaty reflects the unchanging and
steadfast nature of the bonds of India-Bhutan friendship.
"[The] signing of this Treaty of Friendship symbolised India's commitment to liberty,
global equality and justice and confirms her rightful role as a leader in international
affairs.
"From a guiding role upon Bhutan's first step to modernisation we now stand as close
friends and equal partners in the global arena.
"India has always played the important role of a closest friend and it does so today as
well. India and Bhutan have just signed a new Treaty of Friendship to usher in the
momentous changes that will come to Bhutan in 2008," he said.
King Jigme Khesar will oversee Bhutan's transformation from a tightly controlled
monarchy to a parliamentary democracy next year. He is on a six-day official visit to
India. This is the 26-year-old, Oxford-educated monarch's first visit to a foreign country.
He ascended the throne after his father abdicated in December last year.
King Jigme Khesar arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday. On the second day of his six-
day visit, the King on Thursday met with President APJ Abdul Kalam and External Affairs
Minister Pranab Mukherjee, among others.
On Friday, Defence Minister AK Antony, Chief of Army Staff General JJ Singh and Deputy
Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
On Saturday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani will meet with the King
and Finance Minister P Chidambaram will call on him the day after.
// HIGHLIGHTS //
The updated Treaty:
* Reiterates that there shall be perpetual peace and friendship between India and Bhutan
* Removes provisions which have become obsolete over time
* Includes fresh provisions for consolidating and expanding economic cooperation for
mutual and long-term benefit, and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health,
sports, and science and technology
* Does not envisage a change in the treatment of nationals of both countries, or in the
free trade regime
* Commits both countries to cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their
national interests, and not allow the use of their territories for activities harmful to the
national security and interest of the other.
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