Bhutan was always important for India, given its strategic location. But the tiny Himalayan nation’s importance has grown manifold since last summer’s military stand-off between India and China at Doklam.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale paid another quiet visit to Bhutan on 1-2 April during which he held extensive talks on regional and bilateral issues with top Bhutanese leaders. This was his second visit to Bhutan in two months. He had visited Thimphu in early February too. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat had also visited the neighbouring country at that time.

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Besides holding deliberations with his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Sonam Tshong, Gokhale called on Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and King Jingme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

The talks between the two sides were held in a cordial atmosphere in keeping with the unique and exemplary bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries, the ministry said, adding matters concerning bilateral partnership figured during the meetings.

The situation at Doklam plateau at the trijunction between India, China and Bhutan, which witnessed the more than 70-day face-off between Indian and Chinese troops last year, is understood to have figured prominently during Gokhale’s meeting with Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary. Reports have suggested that China and Bhutan will hold their boundary talks later this year during which Doklam is also expected to figure prominently.

Gokhale’s visit was in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and provided an opportunity to the two sides to discuss matters concerning the bilateral partnership, including the commemorative activities planned in 2018 to mark the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, the ministry said.