New Delhi, Dec 19: India Monday welcomed Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk's decision to abdicate in favour of his son in 2008 and hold general election in the kingdom in whose stability and prosperity New Delhi has vital stakes.

"India, as always, wishes the people and government of Bhutan continued peace and stability, and the fulfilment of their aspirations as they embark towards the new constitutional system," external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

"This is a significant moment in Bhutan's history, which for the last three decades has been guided and shaped by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk."

New Delhi welcomed the monarch's decision, announced Saturday, to anoint 25-year-old Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk as the king in 2008. He will be enthroned before Bhutan adopts a constitution and goes to its first ever polls to choose a prime minister under a parliamentary democracy.

"His Majesty has also announced that a new constitution based on a system of parliamentary democracy will be put in place in 2008. His commitment to an open and extensive process of consultations with the people of Bhutan in this regard is yet another symbol of His Majesty's statesmanship and wisdom," the external affairs ministry's statement said.

K.S. Jasrotia, India's former ambassador to Bhutan, said: "Democracy in Bhutan is only going to strengthen our relations with Bhutan. If Bhutan wants our help in building democratic institutions, we will be there to help.

"But it is for the Bhutanese government to decide what kind of help they really want from India," Jasrotia told IANS.

The prospect of having to deal with a diversified power structure under parliamentary democracy, rather than just with the king who is an acknowledged friend of India, does not worry New Delhi.

Dilip Mehta, who also served as an envoy to Bhutan in the 1990s, said: "Being a democratic country, we must welcome this move. We should not forget that the king laid the foundations of this broad and strong relationship with India which will not be shaken by any thing."

Jasrotia said: "This should be treated as a challenge for Indian diplomacy. Besides, the king is very much going to be a key figure in the power structure."

The tiny kingdom's foreign policy is guided by India, which also contributes substantially to its development budget. India recently provided an assistance package worth $450 million to Bhutan for its ninth five-year plan ending 2007.

The 50-year-old King Wangchuk was here early this year as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, an honour bestowed on leaders of countries with which India has especially strong ties.

He came again later this year on a state visit, during which both sides reviewed their bilateral ties, including cooperation in hydropower projects, border management and security-related issues.

Anticipating the radical changes in Bhutan, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran earlier this month had stressed on the "shared destiny" of India and Bhutan and lauded the process of democratic transition initiated by the king, who has ruled the largely Buddhist nation of about 600,000 people, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, since 1972.
Courtesy Indo-Asian News Service