‘India’s support to Bhutan unwavering’: PM Modi, King Wangchuk talk energy, economic ties

During a two-day state visit to Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the country of India’s “unwavering support” to Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan. He emphasised India’s commitment to actively assist Bhutan in achieving its key development priorities and advancing sustainable growth across sectors.

Modi arrived in Bhutan on a two-day state visit on Tuesday at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Modi participated as the Guest of Honour in birthday celebrations of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan (1972-2006) and father of current monarch. He also took part in the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu.

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Modi held meetings with Jigme Khesar and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Jigme Khesar appreciated the presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India in Thimphu for public veneration during the festival, according to the PMO.

India & Bhutan boost developmental, connectivity ties

During the visit, Modi conveyed full support of the Government of India for the realisation of Jigme Khesar’s Gelephu Mindfulness City, the PMO said.

Modi announced the decision to establish an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam, to facilitate easy movement of investors and visitors to Gelephu.

Jigme Khesar and Modi jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in the august presence of the Piprahwa Relics.

The Project stands as a testament to the friendship and exemplary cooperation between Bhutan and India in the field of hydropower, the PMO said.

Jigme Khesar and Modi welcomed the understanding reached regarding the resumption of work on the main dam structure of 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project and agreed to work for expeditious completion of the project, the PMO said.

Once completed, Punatsangchhu-I will be the largest hydroelectric project jointly developed by India and Bhutan, the PMO said.

In addition to infrastructure, India and Bhutan also focussed on human development in the domain of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Fintech, and Space.

Jigme Khesar and Modi welcomed the work on Phase II of the UPI, which will enable Bhutanese visitors to India to make payments using local mobile applications by scanning QR codes, and they expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation, the PMO said.

India and Bhutan also signed the following memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

• MoU between Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India (GoI), on cooperation in the field of renewable energy;

• MoU between Ministry of Health, RGoB, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI, on cooperation in the field of health and medicine;

• MoU between The PEMA Secretariat and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, GoI on building institutional linkages