India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their “exemplary” bilateral partnership across multiple sectors during a significant two-day visit by Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India. The visit underscored the strong ties between the two nations and their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with King Wangchuck upon his arrival, focusing on advancing cooperation in areas such as clean energy, trade, investment, space technology, and infrastructure development. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening it.
A Commitment to Bhutan’s Socio-Economic Development
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development, based on the priorities outlined by the Bhutanese government. The two leaders also touched on India’s continued assistance to Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29), which includes critical support for the nation’s economic stimulus programme.
“We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’, expressing admiration for King Wangchuck’s vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development.
The Prime Minister also reassured Bhutan of India’s full backing for the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, a flagship project led by King Wangchuck aimed at boosting Bhutan’s development while strengthening connections with adjoining border regions in India.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
The joint statement issued after the talks highlighted the expanding scope of cooperation between India and Bhutan in various fields, including trade, energy, infrastructure, education, health, and digital economy. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the “excellent” state of bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further solidifying these ties.
The King expressed deep appreciation for India’s invaluable support in advancing Bhutan’s development goals, emphasizing that the partnership between the two nations remains strong and vital for both countries and the region.
The Bhutanese delegation, including Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior government officials, also participated in a lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi in honor of the King and the Queen.
Hydropower Cooperation and Regional Development
The two leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects in the energy sector, particularly the hydropower sector, which is a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project was nearing completion and looked forward to its commissioning soon.
The leaders also discussed the need for an expedited resolution of the Punatsangchhu-I hydropower project, underlining the importance of advancing cooperation in this critical sector. Additionally, both sides agreed on finalizing plans for new hydropower projects, including reservoir-based projects, to further enhance bilateral energy cooperation.
Focus on Connectivity and Strategic Initiatives
The two leaders also reviewed a series of key projects aimed at improving connectivity between the two countries. This includes the establishment of two cross-border rail links and strengthening digital connectivity, which are expected to facilitate greater trade, people-to-people interaction, and regional integration.
Prime Minister Modi and King Wangchuck agreed on the importance of expanding their cooperation in these sectors to further boost the socio-economic development of both countries and the wider region.
Regional Security Concerns and China’s Engagement with Bhutan
King Wangchuck’s visit comes amid growing Chinese efforts to establish formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan. While Bhutan has long maintained close ties with India, recent developments have raised concerns in New Delhi. Over a year ago, Bhutan’s then Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji held talks with Chinese officials in Beijing regarding Bhutan’s boundary dispute with China.
The talks highlighted Bhutan’s position on the One-China policy and its readiness to engage in dialogue with China for the early resolution of their boundary issue. However, India has closely monitored these developments, as the outcome of Bhutan’s negotiations with China could have significant implications for India’s strategic interests, particularly in the sensitive Doklam region.
In this context, both India and Bhutan reiterated the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship, both bilaterally and regionally, in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Conclusion:
Prime Minister Modi and King Wangchuck’s discussions underscore the deep and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, which has been characterized by close cooperation in diverse fields. Both leaders have reiterated their shared vision of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through continued collaboration in sectors such as energy, trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development.
As India and Bhutan continue to build on this strong partnership, the visit is expected to yield positive outcomes for both nations, with a focus on regional development, energy cooperation, and strategic alignment in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
