The raids launched by the Royal Bhutan Army against three terrorist groups had "contributed to create a safe and secure environment for socio-economic development in Bhutan and the neighbouring regions of India", Bhutanese Premier Lyonpo Jigmi Y Thinley said in his address at the 12th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in Islamabad on Sunday.

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"Almost all" terrorists were apprehended, he said, adding the rest were surrendering or "trying to find their way out of the country".

"My own country has suffered for some time by the presence of three armed extremist groups from adjoining Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Having sneaked into Bhutan, they had established 30 camps in the dense jungles along the entire Bhutan-India border," he said

Their presence had created insecurity among the locals, impeded trade, led to the closure of many industries and educational institutions and inhibited development, he said.

The outfits "threatened to create misunderstandings and undermine our excellent relations with India", he said. "I am most happy to announce that in the grave hour of need, we received full understanding and cooperation from our friend and fellow SAARC member, India."

Referring to the reduction of tension between India and Pakistan, he said, "winds of rapprochement" were blowing in the region.