PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Commitment to Bhutan’s Development, Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties
New Delhi, Dec 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to Bhutan’s economic growth, following a meeting with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in New Delhi. The Prime Minister highlighted the doubling of India’s development support to Bhutan for its 13th Five-Year Plan period, showcasing India’s steadfast support for its neighbor’s progress.
PM Modi took to social media, expressing his delight in welcoming the Bhutanese King and Queen, emphasizing his admiration for the King’s vision for Bhutan’s advancement and regional development. “We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), both leaders reflected on the robust state of bilateral relations, underscoring areas such as development cooperation, trade, clean energy, space technology, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed the economic connectivity between the two nations, emphasizing projects that foster regional integration.
The PMO statement also highlighted a key project, the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a visionary initiative led by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This project aims to drive Bhutan’s development while strengthening connections with India’s border regions, fostering both economic and cultural ties.
The King expressed his gratitude towards India for its consistent support of Bhutan’s aspirations for happiness, progress, and prosperity. PM Modi, on his part, fondly recalled the warm hospitality extended by the people of Bhutan during his State visit earlier in March 2024.
The Prime Minister’s meeting with the Bhutanese royalty was followed by a lunch in their honor. The gathering underscored the tradition of high-level exchanges between the two countries, symbolizing the mutual trust and cooperation that define their relationship.
PM Modi had previously lauded the Gelephu Mindfulness City project during his visit to Bhutan, recognizing its potential for sustainable development and regional prosperity. He had also highlighted several infrastructural projects, including new airports, rail links, and integrated check posts that will enhance connectivity between the two nations.
In line with these developments, India and Bhutan are also progressing on establishing two critical rail links: Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samtse (Bhutan) and Kokrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu (Bhutan), aimed at bolstering trade and connectivity between the two countries. These initiatives reflect the growing cooperation in areas of infrastructure, transport, and economic collaboration.
The meeting between PM Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck reaffirmed the deep-rooted ties between India and Bhutan, highlighting the enduring partnership that continues to evolve across sectors for mutual benefit.
