Thimphu, May 17: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that India was ready to assist in making the region more peaceful, secure and prosperous. He was addressing the Bhutan Parliament this morning.

“India desires to see a South Asia which is at peace with itself. We wish to contribute to ever widening circles of security, peace and prosperity in our region," said Dr. Singh, who became the world’s first leader to address the Bhutan Parliament, after the historic March elections taking the country on the path of democracy.

Singh, who is on a two-day visit here, assured Bhutan that India would stand by the Himalayan country as a factor of stability and support.

He said, "It is with this objective that we look towards working further with Bhutan, in both the bilateral and regional context. A Bhutan that is sovereign, prosperous and secure is central to our vision for the future.” (ANI)