In damage-control mode after upsetting Bhutan by withdrawing its cooking gas and kerosene subsidy, India has quickly reached out to the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which won the country’s just concluded elections, assuring him of India’s “steadfast and unflinching support”.
In a congratulatory message to PDP leader Tshering Tobgay, who is expected to take over as the new Prime Minister of the Himalayan kingdom, PM Manmohan Singh also said on Sunday that he has already asked his officials “to prepare for the discussions on our Plan assistance to Bhutan”.
Bhutan began facing difficulties after the Tenth Plan, under which it was getting financial assistance from India, lapsed on June 30. The cooking gas and kerosene subsidy stopped and the matter became an election issue in Bhutan.
Not surprising then that Dr Singh also told Mr Tobgay, “India is, and will remain, sensitive to Bhutan and its interests.” Moreover, with New Delhi hoping to build robust ties with the PDP-led Bhutanese government, the PM also said in his message: “Our bilateral ties are anchored in a strong foundation of trust, mutual confidence and understanding.”
For now, the PDP which has won 32 of the 47 seats in Bhutan’s National Assembly, too has struck the right notes with the party saying that among its priorities is to rebuild and strengthen ties with India.