New Delhi, December 6. The upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City, clean energy, development cooperation and expanding bilateral trade were among the issues that came up for discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuckhere.
According to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs following the meeting on Thursday, the two leaders positively assessed the expanding partnership between the two countries, including in areas of trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, space technology, environment conservation, and people-to-people contacts.
“His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister of India expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, the Bhutanese side thanked the Government of India for stepping up the development support for Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29) and India’s support for Bhutan government’s Economic Stimulus Programme.
Earlier this week, India approved the first tranche of Rs 417.10 crore for the implementation of 283 high impact community development projects (HICDPs) in Bhutan under its 13th Five-Year Plan. These projects are expected to enhance accessibility and economic opportunity for the local community and contribute to improved livelihoods, job opportunity and food security. For the 13th Five-Year Plan period of Bhutan, the Government of India has committed an assistance of Rs 10,000 crore of which Rs 1,000 crore has been earmarked for HICDPs.
According to the joint statement, King Wangchuk shared with the Prime Minister the progress in implementation of his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region, and how India and Bhutan can work together on the project for the betterment of the two peoples and the region.
“Prime Minister reassured His Majesty of India’s continued support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries,” the statement reads.
Highlighting that clean energy cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Bhutan bilateral partnership, the two sides, according to the statement reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation as elaborated in the Joint Vision Statement on India-Bhutan Energy Partnership released during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024. The leaders reviewed the recent progress in strategic partnerships in the energy sector, including non-hydro renewable energy between Indian and Bhutanese entities through access to Indian financing and energy markets.
“They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydro power project was nearing completion, and looked forward to its commissioning in the near future,” the statement reads. “The leaders agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project. The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it, including through finalising modalities urgently for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects.”
The two leaders also expressed their satisfaction over the opening of the Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam, which can boost tourism and economic activity in eastern Bhutan and the adjoining border areas of Assam.
“They also noted with satisfaction that several initiatives agreed upon during earlier meetings, such as cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects, are progressing steadily, including establishment of two cross border rail links and boosting digital connectivity.” The statement further reads. “Both sides noted the recent decisions taken for further improving bilateral trade and commerce.”
According to the statement, the two leaders also welcomed the progress made in the space sector, particularly in implementation of the Joint Plan of Action for cooperation and expressed satisfaction on increased collaboration in the field of education, with emphasis on STEM disciplines.
External Affaors Minister S Jaishankar also called on the King of Bhutan during his daylong visit to India.
