Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reassured the visiting Bhutan King of India’s continued support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project
Modi also reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to its enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan.
He reiterated continued and full support to the socio economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and the King’s vision.
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a Special Administrative Region in Bhutan.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City project is an innovative urban development project that integrates economic growth with mindfulness, holistic living, and sustainability.
The project will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and the border areas besides further strengthening economic and investment linkages between the two countries.
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the Queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, are on an official visit to India from December 5 to 6.
They arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and were received at the airport by External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar.
They are accompanied by the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Gem Tshering, and senior officials.
The King shared with the Prime Minister the progress in implementation of his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region.
He also explained how India and Bhutan can work together on the project for the betterment of the two peoples and the region.
Modi posted on X, “Delighted to welcome Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Bhutan, to India. Admire His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for Bhutan’s progress and regional development.”
After their meeting, Modi said on X, “We remain committed to advancing the unique and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan.”
During the visit, The King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions covering the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and senior officials called on The King of Bhutan.
Jaishankar assured him of India’s full support for development goals
India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by mutual understanding, trust and exceptional cooperation at all levels.
The bilateral discussions were held in a spirit of profound friendship, and reflected the strong historical ties, goodwill and understanding that exist between the two countries.
According to a joint statement on the Official Visit of The King of Bhutan, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in March.
They also welcomed the regular high-level visits and consultations covering diverse sectors of cooperation.
They positively assessed the expanding partnership between the two countries, in diverse areas.
These include trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, space technology, environment conservation, and people-to-people contacts.
The King and the Indian Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these ties.
The King of Bhutan also conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development.
The Bhutanese side thanked the Indian government for stepping up the development support for Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29) and India’s support for RGoB’s Economic Stimulus Programme.
Clean energy cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Bhutan bilateral partnership.
Reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation as elaborated in the Joint Vision Statement on India-Bhutan Energy Partnership released during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024, the leaders reviewed recent progress in strategic partnerships in the energy sector.
This includes non-hydro renewable energy between Indian and Bhutanese entities.
They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydro power project was nearing completion, and looked forward to its commissioning in the near future.
The leaders agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project.
The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it, including through finalising modalities urgently for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects.
They expressed satisfaction over the opening of the Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam.
This check post can boost tourism and economic activity in eastern Bhutan and the adjoining border areas of Assam.
They also expressed satisfaction over several initiatives agreed upon during earlier meetings.
These are cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects, establishment of two cross border rail links and boosting digital connectivity.
Both sides noted the recent decisions taken for further improving bilateral trade and commerce.
The leaders welcomed the progress made in the space sector, particularly in execution of the Joint Plan of Action for cooperation.
They were satisfied with increased collaboration in the field of education, with emphasis on STEM disciplines.
The visit of the King of Bhutan has reinforced the longstanding tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.
His visit provided an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to advance the close bilateral partnership.
