Focus on security as PM Modi meets Bhutan king

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi and visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wang chuck reviewed bilateral cooperation Tuesday and discussed issues of national interests in a meeting, amid renewed efforts by Bhutan to demarcate parts of its boundary with China and uncertainty over the Dekam trijunction.

While asserting the government was closely following all developments that had a bearing on India's national interests, and would take all necessary measures to safeguard those, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra also said ties with Bhutan were based on shared values including mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns. The government reiterated its earlier statements on Dekam that said tri-junctions had to be finalized in consultation with all concerned countries.

"I would say that India and Bhutan remain in close touch relating to our shared interests, including security. I would only reiterate earlier statements on this issue which very explicitly bring out our position on trijunction boundary points," said Kwatra on the Dekam issue, while not denying that the boundary issue was discussed in the King's meeting with Modi.

The visit by the King had been in the works for many weeks but it took place days after Bhutan PM Lotaya Tshering raised eyebrows by saying that Bhutan would be able to demarcate parts of its boundaries with China in "a meeting or two" and that there was no major border problem with China. He also said that all three countries will have an equal say in re- solving the Dekam trijunction dispute.