India Affirms Cooperation & Support to Bhutan
During his official visit to Thimphu, Bhutan, from January 29-31, 2024, India's Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra engaged in pivotal discussions with Bhutan's leaders, including His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and recently elected Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. These meetings, part of India and Bhutan's tradition of high-level exchanges, aimed to bolster the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations.
Key discussions centred on various aspects of the India-Bhutan bilateral relationship, encompassing development partnership, Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan, energy cooperation, trade, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, and economic ties. The talks also focused on strengthening the people-to-people connections that have long underpinned the unique and time-tested relationship characterised by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding.
India, Bhutan's principal development partner and largest trading destination, pledged increased financial support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. This commitment extends beyond the existing aid, with an additional standby credit facility and discussions on agricultural exports from Bhutan and supplying essential commodities like petroleum, fertilisers, and coal.
India is currently collaborating with Bhutan on several technological initiatives, including the third international internet gateway for Bhutan, space technology applications, the 'Digital Drukyul' project, cross-border fintech integration, and educational initiatives in STEM fields for Bhutanese youth. The countries are also working to expand partnerships in energy to non-hydrogen renewables, emphasising the supply of petroleum and coal products.
This visit reinforced the shared commitment to strengthening the profound friendship and cooperation that have long defined the Indo-Bhutanese relationship. It underscored the historical significance of India-Bhutan relations, rooted in decades of economic assistance since Bhutan's first Five Year Plans in the 1960s. India remains Bhutan's foremost development ally, contributing significantly to its socio-economic progress. The discussions also built upon the momentum from the Bhutanese King's visit to India in November 2023, where the two nations had agreed to enhance connectivity and trade through initiatives like a cross-border rail link and continued hydropower cooperation.
