Amidst news of China yet again building up its troops' deployment along the Doklam plateau region and other similar tri-junction areas, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met his Bhutanese counterpart Dasho Sonam Tshong in Thimpu.

Jaishankar is visiting Bhutan from October 2-5 to hold talks with the Bhutanese Foreign Office. This is FS's first visit to Thimpu after the stand-off between India and China ended in August though External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the Bhutanese Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers meeting in Kathmandu in August while the stand-off was still continuing. It is understood that the recent built up by the Chinese People's liberation Army (PlA) again at the Doklam tri-junction was to figure prominently in the discussion between Jaishankar and his counterpart Dasho Sonam Tshong. A mechanism to discuss tri-junction disputes issues between China, India and Bhutan was also on cards. Besides, Bhutan's concern about the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on its economy was another possible area of discussion.

According to the latest report by Asian Development Bank, GST may have an adverse impact on the Bhutanese economy through trade and revenue channels. The report added that Bhutan has for the time being decided not to levy higher taxes on imports from India, but to use credit policy to restrain import demand, especially for automobiles.

The External Affairs Ministry said during his visit the Foreign Secretary held discussions on the complete range of bilateral relations, including implementation of the ongoing Government of India assisted projects under Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan, priorities of Bhutan for the 12th Five Year Plan, trade and economic ties, hydropower cooperation, and people to people contacts. "Both sides reviewed preparations for the celebrations of 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2018. The two sides also shared their perspective on regional and other issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. "The unique relations between India and Bhutan are characterized by deep understanding and mutual trust. The visit of the Foreign Secretary was in keeping with tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries to strengthen and expand the unique ties," the MEA statement added.