India is set to not let China achieve additional toeholds throughout what it sees as its pure sphere of affect, following commerce and infrastructure offers Beijing sealed through the years with different neighbours.

“The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy,” stated an announcement from Modi’s workplace saying his arrival.

India successfully oversaw Bhutan’s international coverage till 2007, the yr earlier than the dominion’s first multi-party elections.

Bhutan doesn’t have formal diplomatic relations with China however the two international locations inked a “cooperation agreement” final October after talks over their long-disputed frontier.

A December report from Britain’s Chatham House suppose tank included satellite tv for pc images it stated confirmed an “unsanctioned programme of settlement construction” by China in Bhutan’s northern frontier area.

It added that the developments might “become permanent Chinese territory” if a border deal was struck.

Modi final week hosted Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in his first official abroad go to after returning to workplace for a second time period in January.