PM Modi's visit to Bhutan seeks to expand an exemplary bilateral partnership
| 2024-03-20
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit follows Prime Minister Tobgay visit to New Delhi last week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a state visit to Bhutan on March 21-22, 2024. The visit comes at the invitation of Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who was in India from March 14-18, 2024, and is expected to build on the discussions the two leaders had in New Delhi.
While in Thimphu, Prime Minister Modi will receive audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (March 19, 2024). He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.
"The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy," the MEA said.
The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify our exemplary partnership for the benefit of our peoples, the MEA added.
India a Key Partner in Bhutan’s Socio-economic Development
India has consistently supported Bhutan’s socio-economic development, particularly in the hydro power sector, and by contributing to its 5-Year Plans since the early 1960s.
These two aspects figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tobgay in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.
According to the Joint Statement issued after the meeting, both Prime Ministers reiterated their firm commitment to expanding hydro-power cooperation.
They expressed satisfaction with the progress in construction of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project and looked forward to its commissioning in 2024. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finding a technically safe and cost-effective way forward on the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project.
Additionally, both Prime Ministers agreed to expand the existing India-Bhutan energy partnership to non-hydro renewables, such as solar and wind as well as green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility besides energy efficiency and conservation measures.
On Bhutan’s 5-Year Plans, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to step up support for Bhutan’s 13th FYP, including to consider a request for the Economic Stimulus Program. “India’s development assistance will be geared towards the development of infrastructure, building connectivity in its broadest form which includes road, rail, air and digital connectivity, and in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, skilling and cultural preservation,” the Joint Statement said.
Prime Minister Tobgay, in turn, thanked the Government of India for its development assistance of INR 5000 crores to Bhutan’s 12th FYP, which has immensely contributed to the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bhutan.
An Enduring Relationship of Friendship & Cooperation
The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, and revised in 2007. India established diplomatic ties with Bhutan by setting up a special office in Thimphu in 1968.
This relationship, characterized by profound mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding, has been nurtured through regular high-level visits, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries.
In June 2014, Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to Bhutan in his visit abroad after assuming office. He followed this up with another visit in August 2019, where he launched four major bilateral projects.
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's visits to India have also played a key role in reinforcing bilateral ties.
While in Thimphu, Prime Minister Modi will receive audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (March 19, 2024). He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.
"The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy," the MEA said.
The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters of interest and deliberate on ways to expand and intensify our exemplary partnership for the benefit of our peoples, the MEA added.
India a Key Partner in Bhutan’s Socio-economic Development
India has consistently supported Bhutan’s socio-economic development, particularly in the hydro power sector, and by contributing to its 5-Year Plans since the early 1960s.
These two aspects figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tobgay in New Delhi on March 14, 2024.
According to the Joint Statement issued after the meeting, both Prime Ministers reiterated their firm commitment to expanding hydro-power cooperation.
They expressed satisfaction with the progress in construction of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project and looked forward to its commissioning in 2024. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finding a technically safe and cost-effective way forward on the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project.
Additionally, both Prime Ministers agreed to expand the existing India-Bhutan energy partnership to non-hydro renewables, such as solar and wind as well as green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility besides energy efficiency and conservation measures.
On Bhutan’s 5-Year Plans, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to step up support for Bhutan’s 13th FYP, including to consider a request for the Economic Stimulus Program. “India’s development assistance will be geared towards the development of infrastructure, building connectivity in its broadest form which includes road, rail, air and digital connectivity, and in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, skilling and cultural preservation,” the Joint Statement said.
Prime Minister Tobgay, in turn, thanked the Government of India for its development assistance of INR 5000 crores to Bhutan’s 12th FYP, which has immensely contributed to the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bhutan.
An Enduring Relationship of Friendship & Cooperation
The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, and revised in 2007. India established diplomatic ties with Bhutan by setting up a special office in Thimphu in 1968.
This relationship, characterized by profound mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding, has been nurtured through regular high-level visits, symbolizing the strong bond between the two countries.
In June 2014, Prime Minister Modi was on a state visit to Bhutan in his visit abroad after assuming office. He followed this up with another visit in August 2019, where he launched four major bilateral projects.
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's visits to India have also played a key role in reinforcing bilateral ties.
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