President Pranab Mukherjee, during his state visit to Bhutan, on Saturday summed up the bilateral relationship between India and that country as 'exemplary', saying that the friendship between New Delhi and Thimphu is bound by age-old historical and cultural linkages.
"I would, today, sum it up [India-Bhutan relations] as an exemplary bilateral relationship between two neighbouring countries, a unique and successful partnership for mutual benefit, and a symbiotic friendship between two peoples bound by age-old historical and cultural linkages. Despite the differences in our national situations, we are powerfully connected by our many commonalities and complementarities," President Mukherjee said while addressing a convention here.
"Our close bilateral relations are based on our many shared perceptions and priorities. There is a deep confidence and trust between our governments and peoples and we have ensured that we remain sensitive, as closely co-operating neighbours, to each other's concerns and vital interests," he said.
Reminiscing his days as union minister in various capacities, President Mukherjee said, "Having served in my humble capacities while serving in the Government of India - including at the helm of our Defence, Finance and Foreign Ministries, I have had the opportunity to develop a unique perspective of the India - Bhutan relationship."
Thanking Bhutan's King and Queen for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him, the President recalled that the relationship started between the two nations in the 1950's.
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"That we forged our partnership in the decade of the 1950s is a result - and reflection - of the converging vision of the leadership of both our countries. The Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had not only recognised the infinite potential of our partnership, but taken many steps to reinforce it. The historic journey made by Pandit Nehru to Paro, through challenging terrain to reach here on horseback and the memorable reception that he was accorded by the Monarch and people of Bhutan are remembered even to this day," said President Mukherjee.
"They are a testimony to the commitment and warmth that existed between the founding fathers of India and Their Majesties, the revered former Kings of Bhutan. Thereafter, in more recent times, the judiciousness and foresight of the successive Monarchs of Bhutan - including Their Majesties the Fourth and Fifth Kings, has contributed immeasurably towards building a fruitful, collaborative relationship between our two nations for the benefit of our respective peoples," he added.
Pointing towards the high-level visits made by the heads of state of both nations, President Mukherjee said, "I am happy to state that these last few months have been marked by a consolidation and intensification of our close bilateral ties. It was an honour to receive His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty, Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck in India at the beginning of this year; Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Bhutan as his first overseas destination - within a month of assuming office and I am here on the first state visit by a President of India after a gap of more than 26 years. We have taken a number of initiatives this year to strengthen our friendship and close co-operation - there is much to be very satisfied about and much to look forward to."
The bilateral relations between India and Bhutan date back to 1949 when the two countries signed the treaty of friendship and cooperation. This treaty, which provides for perpetual peace and friendship, free trade and commerce, and equal justice to each other's citizens, was updated and signed by King Wangchuck in February 2007.
