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New Delhi, October 23 (IANS) A roadmap for integrated check posts and capacity building for security personnel was discussed during a review meeting between India and Bhutan on bilateral security cooperation and border management. An official gave this information on Thursday.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction over the cordial and constructive discussions and reiterated their resolve to work together towards ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous border area, the official said in a statement.
The discussions also covered capacity building for Bhutan’s police, it said, adding that the two sides reviewed bilateral security cooperation and border management issues, including mobile signal spill over, future roadmap for integrated check posts, maintenance of border pillars and cross-border movement.
The 14th India-Bhutan Meeting on Border Management and Security was held in Thimphu, Bhutan from 16-17 October.
The Indian delegation was led by Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Home Ministry, while the Bhutanese side was led by Sonam Wangyel, Secretary, Home Ministry.
The Indian delegation included officers from the Sashastra Seema Bal, Land Ports Authority of India, Department of Telecommunications, Narcotics Control Bureau, Survey of India, Customs and representatives from Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Earlier on Monday, on the occasion of Diwali, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shared greetings and wished for harmony and new beginnings.
In a post on Twitter, the Bhutanese PM said: “Wishing everyone a bright and joyous Diwali filled with love, laughter and togetherness. May the lights of this festival lead us towards hope, harmony and new beginnings.”
In July, a delegation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs held comprehensive discussions in Thimphu on all aspects of bilateral cooperation – including development partnership, energy, trade and investment, connectivity and trade infrastructure, technology, people-to-people ties, as well as other regional issues of mutual importance.
During the official visit, the Indian Foreign Secretary met King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and also met the country’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay besides Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel.
Foreign Secretary, along with his Bhutanese counterpart Pema Choden, co-chaired the 3rd India Bhutan Development Cooperation Dialogue for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (FYP).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bhutan in March this year, had announced the development support of Nu by the Government of India. ₹100 billion (INR 10,000 crore) for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan period.
–IANS
RCH/PGH