India and Bhutan discussed measures to bolster regional connectivity and increase cross-border trade during Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The Bhutanese monarch is in India for an official visit from 3-10 November.
New Rail Links, Increased Regional Connectivity
During the high-level meeting, Wangchuk shared valuable perspectives and insights on the ongoing reform process underway in Bhutan.
Meanwhile, India has decided to go ahead with the final survey of the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan.
Pleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India. We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His Majesty’s vision for the development and well being of… pic.twitter.com/asmCAaKMjG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2023
The two sides also agreed to consider establishing a second rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan.
Additionally, India agreed to designate the Haldibari (West Bengal) - Chilahati (Bangladesh) rail route as an additional trade route for Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the two countries decided to designate Darranga (Assam)/Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as an immigration check post between Bhutan and India.
This decision will facilitate the entry and exit of third-country nationals by land route for enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.
Strengthening Trade Infrastructure
A decision was taken to strengthen trade infrastructure, including the upgradation of the existing Land Customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to an Integrated Check Post through Indian support, along with the development of facilities on the Bhutanese side in Gelephu.
The two leaders assessed the expansion of bilateral ties in new areas of connectivity in its broadest form, cross-border trade infrastructure and trade and mutual investments.
Specifically, Modi and Wangchuk discussed the energy, health, education, skill development, space technology, environment conservation, and close people-to-people contact aspects of India-Bhutan ties.
Both sides agreed to strengthen a collaborative framework in environmental conservation, wildlife preservation, and forestry under the framework MoU, underscoring shared commitment to safeguarding the region’s ecological diversity.
Cooperation in Education, Space
New Delhi has decided to allocate additional MBBS seats for Bhutanese students in medical colleges in Assam, and double the outlay under the Ambassador’s scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India.
Both countries welcomed the progress made in space sector cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the increased collaboration in the field of education, with an emphasis on STEM disciplines.
Hydropower Cooperation
A Joint Statement released after the meeting read, “Hydropower cooperation has been an important pillar of India-Bhutan bilateral economic partnership, and it has been a productive partnership for both countries.”
Mentioning the Basochhu hydropower project, the 1020MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project and the Punatsangchhu-I hydropower project, the countries reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector and their commitment to advancing it further.
They also agreed to extend the existing India-Bhutan energy partnership in hydro to non-hydro renewables, such as solar and green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility.
Developmental Assistance to Bhutan
During the meeting, Modi reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, and reiterated continued and full support for the socio-economic development in Bhutan.
Wangchuk also appreciated the Indian government’s support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
The Bhutanese side thanked the Indian government for the timely release of development assistance to ensure the smooth conclusion of crucial projects under the 12th Five-Year Plan (2018-2023).
Additionally, the Indian side reiterated its commitment to support Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan.