India offers to strengthen Bhutan's democratic institutions

New Delhi, Aug 26 (UNI) Vice-President Hamid Ansari today offered to help Bhutan in strengthening its nascent democratic institutions.

Mr Ansari, Chairman of Rajya Sabha, made the offer when a 13-member Bhutanese parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Lyonpo Jigme Tshultim met him here.

Mr Tshultim said Bhutan being the youngest and smallest democracy need to learn a lot from the world's largest democracy. He invited Mr Ansari to visit the Himalayan state.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee admired Bhutan's smooth and orderly transition to democracy recently and said it is a reflection of Bhutanese King's vision and democratic credentials.

Describing the Indo-Bhutanese relationship as "unshakeable", Mr Chatterjee assured the delegation of India's support and cooperation in the development needs of the Bhutanese people.

Reciprocating the sentiments, Mr Tshultim lauded India's support and assistance for Bhutan's develoment and its smooth transition to democracy.

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