External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s support for Bhutan’s developmental goals and priorities. During his official visit to Bhutan from 16th to 18th September, Dr. Jaishankar and his Bhutanese counterpart, Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation, besides regional and international issues of mutual importance.
The two sides appreciated the progress in strengthening the special and multi-faceted India-Bhutan partnership. Dr. Jaishankar and his Bhutanese counterpart jointly inaugurated and launched several development projects. These included the 65-bedded Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar, the Jaganathan Bridge on the Samdrup Jongkhar-Trashigang Highway, and the transfer of 43 jersey cows from India to the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang.
India also handed over 54 electric vehicles to the Bhutanese Government. The ministers also laid the foundation stone for the 500-kilowatt Lunana Hydropower Project. During the meeting, the two sides also expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership of March 2024, and recalled the recent strides in energy cooperation, including the inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP).
It also includes signing of its Tariff Protocol, and the resumption of dam construction of 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I HEP. Both the ministers also welcomed the signing of the Agreement on concessional Line of Credit of 4000 crores rupees for energy projects in Bhutan. They also welcomed the active engagement of Indian companies in hydropower projects in Bhutan, adding dynamism to the existing energy cooperation.
The Ministers also welcomed the operationalisation of a UPI-based facility, enabling Bhutanese nationals to make digital payments in India using Bhutanese mobile applications. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar also called on the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.
