NEW DELHI, Jan. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- India has agreed to enhance its assistance for Bhutan's current five-year plan as King Jigme Singye Wangchuck ended a six-day visit here during which the two sides signed three accords, the Indo-Asian News Service reported Saturday.

    A joint statement issued here said India had agreed to enhance assistance for Bhutan's ninth five-year plan ending in 2007 to Rs.7.1 billion (around 160 million US dollars) from the existing Rs. 4.3 billion (around 95 million US dollars).

    An agreement signed Tuesday to link the Himalayan kingdom with India by rail marks another milestone in the friendly ties between New Delhi and Thimphu. Under the deal, the two sides are to undertake feasibility studies on the extension of the Indian railway network to Bhutan.

    A memorandum of understanding to connect five towns in the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal with as many major Bhutanese towns was signed following talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Wangchuck.

    The two sides also signed a pact to prepare detailed project reports on two major hydroelectric projects in Bhutan.

    A third agreement was signed to provide institutional framework for cooperation in agriculture and related sectors.

    During his stay, Wangchuck met with Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, and also held talks with other senior Indian ministers.

    The monarch was among the distinguished guests at India's Republic Day celebrations Wednesday.

    The visit to India by the king was a milestone in the close and friendly ties between the two nations and it has greatly contributed to further enhancing mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two governments, said the statement.

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