PM Modi Assures Bhutan of India's Support for Socio-Economic Development

During a meeting with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi expressed India's full support for Bhutan's socio-economic development. Both leaders agreed to enhance cross-border connectivity and expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck met in New Delhi on Monday and agreed to boost cross-border connectivity and expand ties in trade, infrastructure, and energy. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides said they had agreed on a final location survey for the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan. They also agreed to consider establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan.

Expanding India-Bhutan Partnership

Modi and Wangchuck positively assessed expanding the India-Bhutan partnership, including in new areas such as connectivity, cross-border trade infrastructure, trade and mutual investments, energy, health, education, space technology, and people-to-people contacts. The Bhutanese king began his eight-day visit to India from Guwahati on November 3. His high-profile trip to India came amid a renewed push by Bhutan and China for an early settlement of their decades-old boundary dispute.

India's Support to Bhutan's Development

Modi reaffirmed India's abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of His Majesty. Wangchuck shared valuable perspectives and insights on the ongoing reforms process in Bhutan and conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that India continues to provide for Bhutan's socio-economic development.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

The two sides agreed on nine specific points to take the exemplary bilateral partnership forward, including undertaking a final location survey of the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu through New Delhi's support. They also agreed to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as immigration check posts between Bhutan and India to facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals by land route for enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.

Collaboration in Various Sectors

India will positively consider Bhutan's request for concessional financing in the area of skill development and capacity building under the GyalSung project. It was also decided to designate Haldibari (West Bengal) to Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail route as an additional trade route for Bhutan's trade with Bangladesh. The statement said India will provide bridge financing for the period between the 12th and 13th Five Year Plans of Bhutan for New Delhi-assisted projects and schemes.

Strengthening Environmental Conservation

The two sides also agreed to strengthen the collaborative framework in environmental conservation and wildlife preservation as they underscored a shared commitment to safeguarding the ecological diversity of the region. It was also agreed to allocate additional MBBS seats for Bhutanese students in medical colleges in Assam to ensure access to quality medical education and training to Bhutanese nationals. The statement said it was also decided to double the outlay under the ambassador's scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India.

Energy Cooperation and Exchange

The two sides welcomed the export of surplus power by the Basochhu hydropower project through the Indian energy exchange beginning in October 2023, paving the way for access to another energy market. The king extended an invitation to Modi to pay an official visit to Bhutan, which the prime minister accepted. The dates for the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels.

Appreciation for India's Role in G20

During the talks, the king commended the excellent organization of the recently concluded G20 Summit by India and forging consensus for constructive decisions and outcomes contained in the Delhi Declaration. Wangchuck particularly appreciated India's efforts in effectively integrating the interests and priorities of the countries in the Global South in the G20 deliberations and outcome documents.

From Delhi, the Bhutan King will travel to Mumbai.