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Bhutan, India Review Energy and Cross-border Connectivity Projects, Gelephu Mindfulness City
6 December 2024
The King and Queen of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Her Majesty Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, paid an official visit to India on 5-6 December 2024. This visit highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Bhutan and India, characterized by mutual understanding, trust, and exceptional cooperation.
His Majesty the King of Bhutan and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive discussions covering various aspects of bilateral, as well as regional, cooperation and mutual interest. The meeting
- Reaffirmed India's commitment to support Bhutan's socio-economic development, with increased assistance for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan (2024-2029) and Economic Stimulus Program.
- Shared progress on the implementation of the vision of His Majesty the King for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region. Prime Minister Modi assured His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of India's continued support for this project, which aims to boost prosperity in Bhutan and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The project is set to bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and the border areas, to further strengthen economic and investment linkages between Bhutan and India.
- Expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in hydropower projects. They noted the near completion of the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II project and emphasized the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I project. Clean energy cooperation is an important pillar of both nations’ bilateral partnership.
- Welcomed the opening of the Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam, India, which is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in eastern Bhutan and adjoining areas of Assam.
- Also noted the satisfactory progress in several initiatives agreed upon during earlier meetings involving cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects, such as the establishment of two cross border rail links, as well as improvements in digital connectivity. Bhutan and India also took note of recent decisions taken for further improving bilateral trade and commerce.
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