
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan India’s full support for the socio-economic development of Bhutan based on its priorities. However, both sides agreed to enhance cross-border connectivity and expand ties in trade, infrastructure and energy.
“Pleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India. We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His Majesty’s vision for the development and well being of the friendly people of Bhutan,” said PM Modi on X.
Pleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India. We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His Majesty’s vision for the development and well being of… pic.twitter.com/asmCAaKMjG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2023
According to news agency PTI, a joint statement has been issued after extensive talks between Modi and Wangchuk. In which it was said that both the sides agreed on the final location survey for the proposed cross-border train link between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan. They also agreed to consider the possibility of building a rail link between Banerhat, West Bengal and Samtse, Bhutan.
According to the statement, Modi and Wangchuk “broadly discussed the development of India-Bhutan cooperation in new areas such as connectivity, cross-border trade, infrastructure development, commerce and mutual investment, energy, health, education, space technology.
The Bhutan King started his eight-day visit to India from Guwahati on November 3. His high-profile visit to India coincides with a new effort by Bhutan and China to resolve their decades-old border conflict. Bhutan’s King will also visit Mumbai.
“In his conversation with His Excellency, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s enduring commitment to its unique relations of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and its continued and full support for socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government.
According to the statement, Wangchuk provided unique perspectives and views on Bhutan’s ongoing reform process, and expressed gratitude for the significant support India is providing for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
According to the joint statement, India will positively consider Bhutan’s offer of concessional finance under the Gyalsung Initiative for skill development and capacity building.
It was also planned to add Haldibari (West Bengal) to Chilahati (Bangladesh) train link for Bhutan’s commerce with Bangladesh. According to the announcement, India will provide bridging finance for Bhutan-assisted projects and initiatives between the 12th and 13th five-year plans.
It was also agreed to improve commercial infrastructure, including converting the existing land customs station at Dadagiri (Assam) into an integrated check post with India’s assistance, as well as creation of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu.
According to the joint statement, the King expressed his appreciation for India’s excellent hosting of the recently concluded G20 Summit, as well as the consensus-building positive actions and outcomes reflected in the Delhi Declaration. According to the statement, he appreciated India’s efforts in successfully incorporating the interests and goals of countries in the Global South into the G20 debates and outcome agreements.