Aid, Infrastructure, Hydro-Power Cooperation, Rail-Links: Takeaways From India-Bhutan Joint Statement – News18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told visiting Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay that India remains committed to partnering with the neighbouring country in its quest to become a high-income nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, underscoring the enduring ties between the two nations.

Accompanied by a team of his top ministers, Tobgay is on a trip to India from March 14-18, for his first overseas visit after assuming office in January this year. During his visit, PM Tobgay called on President Droupadi Murmu and held discussions with PM Modi on the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and regional issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Power Minister RK Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also called on the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

In a joint statement, the MEA said that the Prime Ministers of the two countries acknowledged that the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan are a source of strength for both partners and the region. Following are the top points from the joint statement issued by MEA amid Bhutan PM Tobgay’s India visit:

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Strong Bilateral Ties: Both leaders acknowledged the strong friendship between India and Bhutan. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the long-standing and exceptional bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
• Development Aid to Bhutan: India’s contribution of INR 5000 crores to Bhutan’s 12th FYP significantly boosted Bhutan’s socio-economic well-being. MEA said India’s aid will be geared towards the development of infrastructure, building connectivity in its broadest form.
• India’s Commitment: PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s development, focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, and various sectors.
• Hydro-Power Cooperation: India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to expanding hydro-power cooperation and commended progress on ongoing projects. The two sides noted the progress in the construction of the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project.
• Railway Linkage: The two sides noted the progress towards the establishment of two rail links Banarhat (West Bengal) – Samtse (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam) – Gelephu (Bhutan). Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is undertaking the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the two rail links.
• Expanding Energy Partnership: India and Bhutan agreed to expand their energy partnership to include non-hydro renewables and green initiatives. The two sides reaffirmed the significance of cooperating closely in the energy sector.
• Youth and Sports: The Bhutanese side appreciated India’s support for the development of sports infrastructure in Bhutan. Both sides agreed to strengthen and consolidate ties in the field of youth and sports development. Both sides pledged to enhance collaboration in education, including STEM.
• Trust and Understanding: The India-Bhutan partnership is characterized by utmost trust and goodwill, at all levels and is reinforced by robust people-to-people linkages. The visit of PM Tobgay reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.