Former PM Thinley out, India to continue 'special' relationship with Bhutan

NEW DELHI: Victory of People's Democratic Party (PDP) in what was only the second democratic elections in tiny, landlocked but strategically important Bhutan has raised hopes of an early settlement to the situation arising out of India's withdrawal of subsidy on its supply of LPG and kerosene.

PM Manmohan Singh wrote to PDP chief Tshering Tobgay that he has already asked his officials to prepare for discussions over India's plan assistance to Bhutan. Singh assured him of "unflinching and steadfast" support from India. Singh said India is and will always be mindful of Bhutan's interests and that India is a privileged partner of Bhutan in its socio-economic progress.

After PDP swept the polls on Saturday, senior government sources said India is looking forward to continuing its "special and unique" relationship with Bhutan. They said the government will not allow the rural poor in Bhutan to suffer and that efforts will be made to expedite terms and conditions for a fresh wave of financial assistance to Thimpu.

While New Delhi has painstakingly tried to convince all that Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) chief and former prime minister Jigme Thinley's policies were not a dampner for ties - citing in the process his 9 visits to India in the past 5 years - the truth is that India doesn't mind seeing the back of Thinley at all.

New Delhi was alarmed not just by Thinley, who made himself the official ambassador of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness phenomenon, reaching out to Beijing but also the manner in which he established diplomatic ties with many other countries without bothering to take South Block into confidence.

While many in Bhutan have attributed motives to India's decision to cut subsidy on cooking gas and kerosene during the elections, official sources said that for India the successful conduct of second election is indicative of consolidation of democracy in Bhutan. "India has always held that it is happy to work with all in Bhutan. Looks to continue the special and unique relationship," said a government source.

What's interesting is that it was the PDP which seemed to be giving vent to India's concerns when it repeatedly blamed DPT for strained ties with India. The party blamed Thinley's policies even for the subsidy cut by India.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Former-PM-Thinley-out-India-to-continue-special-relationship-with-Bhutan/articleshow/21066908.cms

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