India, Bhutan discuss international, bilateral issues

India and Bhutan have discussed important international and bilateral issues, including ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in key areas like hydropower sector.

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who arrived here on October 21 for a nine-day official-cum-private tour, had held a series of meetings with the Indian leadership, including President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during which entire gamut of bilateral ties were discussed.

The King and Singh exchanged views and held discussions on bilateral relations and economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, a joint statement said here today.

"The two sides expressed satisfaction at the cooperation in the hydropower sector and reiterated their commitment to achieve the target of 10,000 MW of power generation in Bhutan by 2020," it said.

The King, who was here on a state-visit and also spent his honeymoon in Rajasthan where he visited Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

This is the first visit abroad of the King after the Royal Wedding on October 13 and the fourth trip to India since his coronation in November 2008.

The King and the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations.

The King also conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that India provides for Bhutan's socio-economic development.