New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) India and Bhutan convened on Friday to deliberate on boundary-related field issues, expressing their satisfaction with the progress achieved by their respective field survey teams and other involved parties.

The discussions encompassed the possibilities for technological and capacity building collaboration pertaining to survey and boundary-related tasks, aligned with the priorities set by both governments, during a two-day meeting between officials from the Indian government and Bhutan's Office of International Boundaries in New Delhi to assess boundary-related field operations.

As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian delegation was led by Surveyor General of India Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, while the Bhutanese side was headed by Dasho Letho T Tangbi, Secretary of International Boundaries.

Both nations also concluded the work plan for the next three field seasons.

"India and Bhutan maintain exceptional ties of friendship and collaboration, grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and profound goodwill at all levels. The meeting was conducted in a warm and amiable atmosphere, consistent with the tradition of regular dialogues across all sectors of bilateral cooperation," stated the MEA.

India and Bhutan align on their strategic interests and closely collaborate on security matters and border management. India stands as Bhutan's primary trade and development partner, supplying a majority of essential commodities imported by Bhutan.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar remarked last month on how India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy has made substantial strides since 2014, impacting relations with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar.

"We have witnessed new roads, checkpoints, rail links, waterways, power grids, fuel pipelines, and transit facilities. More developments are on the horizon," Jaishankar noted during a session titled 'Act East, Act Fast and Act First' at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit on February 25.

During his significant visit to Bhutan last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Bhutanese King's vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which aims to foster economic growth and development in Bhutan and the region sustainably, thereby enhancing economic and investment ties between India and Bhutan.

"Whether it’s a new airport for enhanced air connectivity, new rail links from Gelephu to Kokrajhar and Samtse to Banarhat, or the operation of waterways through the Brahmaputra, we will soon see these projects completed expeditiously. Integrated Check Posts will also be established to bolster trade infrastructure," PM Modi stated after being awarded Bhutan's highest National Award, the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo', by the King of Bhutan in Thimphu on March 22, 2024.