On November 6, 2023, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi conveyed to the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, that India will be providing full support to the Himalayan Kingdom for its socio-economic development based on its priorities even as the two sides agreed to boost cross-border connectivity and expand its ties in trade, infrastructure, and energy.
In a post on X, Modi described the talks as warm and positive. “We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the special and unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His majesty vision for the development and the well-being of the friendly people of Bhutan,” he said.
Joint Statement
In his interaction with the King of Bhutan, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal government as per the wishes of His Majesty.
A joint statement issued after wide ranging talks between Modi and Wangchuk said that the two sides agreed on a final location survey for the proposed cross border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelepehu in Bhutan. They also agreed to consider establishing a trade link between Baranhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan.
It also said that Wangchuk shared valuable perspectives and insights on the ongoing reforms in Bhutan and conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development. “The Bhutanese side thanked the Government of India for the timely release of developmental assistance to ensure smooth and uninterrupted conclusion of crucial projects Under the 12th Five Year Plan, the statement said.
It further said that Modi and Wangchuk held discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation as well as the regional and global issues of mutual interests. In the delegation level talks, the two sides agreed on nine specific points that included a cross border rail project connecting Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelepehu (Bhutan).
The two sides noted the successful completion of Preliminary Engineering Surveys of the rail link by bthe Indian railways. They also agreed to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jonkhar (Bhutan) to facilitate the entry and exit of the third country by land route for enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.
The Joint statement said 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 and additional trade route for Bhutan’s trade with Bangladesh.
The statement said India will provide bridge financing between12th and 13th Five Year Plans of Bhutan for New Delhi assisted project schemes. It was also agreed to strengthen trade infrastructure including by the suitable upgrading existing Land Customs Station at Dadgiri (Assam) to Integrated Checkpost through India’s support along with the development of facilities on the Bhutanese side of Gelepehu
Other Areas of Collaboration
The two sides also agreed to strengthen collaborative framework in environmental conservation and wildlife preservation as they underscored shared commitment to safeguard ecological diversity of the region. It was also agreed to allocate additional MBBS seats for Bhutanese students in medical colleges and institutions in Assam as an endeavor to ensure access to quality medical education in India. Moreover, it was also decided to double the outlay under ambassadors’ scholarship foe Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India.
The two sides also welcomed export of surplus power by the Basochuu Hydropower Project through an energy exchange beginning October 2023 paving the way for access to another energy market.
Praise for G20 Summit 2023
During the talks, the king commended the excellent organisation of the G20 Summit by India and consensus for constructive decisions and outcomes in the Delhi Declaration, the joint statement said. Wangchuk also praised and appreciated India’s efforts in effectively integrate interests and priorities of the countries in the Global South in the G20 deliberations and outcome documents, it said. From Delhi, the Bhutanese King will travel to Mumbai.
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