India and Bhutan ink about a dozen pacts, MoUs

New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) Nearly half-a-dozen agreements
and as many Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in fields
ranging from hydro power to health to IT to civil aviation
were signed between India and Bhutan Tuesday in the presence
of visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The fifth King of Bhutan, who is here on his maiden
foreign visit since his coronation in November last year, held
one-on-one and delegation level talks with Singh during which
both the leaders discussed wide-ranging issues including that
of bilateral and regional interests.
Briefing reporters about the meeting, Indian Foreign
Affairs Ministry's official spokesman Vishnu Prakash said
several agreements and MoUs were signed, including pacts on
initiating DPRs for the Amochu (620 MW), Kuri-Gongri (1800
MW), Chamkarchu-I (670 MW) and Kholongchhu (486 MW)projects.
Asserting that both countries attach "highest importance"
to development of hydro projects in Bhutan, Prakash said it
has been decided that New Delhi will help Thimphu to achieve a
target of 10,000 MW of power by 2020.
He said, at present the total installed capacity of
Bhutan to generate power is at 1500 MW, out of which 400 MW is
used domestically and rest surplus is sold to India.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister described the
Kings's visit as "historic" and termed Bhutan as "India's
closest friend and neighbour" while the King assured Singh
that his country was "mindful of India's interest", the
spokesman said, adding there are no "diversions or outstanding
issues" between the two countries. MORE PTI PYK
ANU


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