Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s commitment to accelerate support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan. Prime Minister Modi also committed to consider Bhutan’s request for the Economic Stimulus Programme. This is according to a joint statement issued by the two nations earlier today in connection with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s ongoing official visit to India. India also committed to support Bhutan in energy, space technology and education sectors among others.
The joint statement says India’s development assistance will be geared towards the development of infrastructure, enhancing connectivity through road, rail, air and digital connectivity, and in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, skilling and cultural preservation.
The two sides noted the progress of establishing two rail links which will connect Samtse to West Bengal and Gelephu to Assam. The Final Location Survey of the two rail links is underway.
During the bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which will stimulate development in Bhutan and in the region in a sustainable manner, and enhance economic and investment linkages between the two nations, the joint statement stated.
Both Prime Ministers committed to expand hydro-power cooperation and expedite consultations on implementation modalities for new projects. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of Punatsangchhu-II Hydro Power 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.
Both Prime Ministers also agreed to expand energy partnership to solar and wind as well as green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility besides energy efficiency and conservation measures.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Concessionary Financing of Rs 15bn to Bhutan for Gyalsung- Bhutan’s National Service Programme initiated by His Majesty The King.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the development of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation and also reaffirmed their desire to continue strengthening the positive collaboration in new and emerging areas such as digital technology, start-ups and STEM.
Both sides also agreed to strengthen and consolidate ties in the field of youth and sports development, and expand partnership in the education sector.
On behalf of His Majesty The King, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Bhutan at an early date. Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation according to the joint statement.
Recalling His Majesty’s official visits to India last year, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the long-standing and exceptional bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
This morning, before leaving for Mumbai, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay graced the India Today Conclave as a distinguished speaker in New Dehli.
Following the event, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his delegation arrived in Mumbai this afternoon. He then participated in a tourism event organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry which is aimed to foster collaboration and explore avenues for mutual growth in the tourism sector.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his delegation proceeded to Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra and met with the governor.
Tomorrow, the prime minister will meet with prominent businessmen to cement economic ties between the two nations. The prime minister will return to the country on Monday.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Kipchu
