The visiting Bhutanese King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Monday. Prime Minister Modi personally received the Bhutanese King upon his arrival in New Delhi on November 6. The two leaders engaged in a cordial and meaningful conversation, affirming the strength of the diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan. They discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
PM Modi posted on X, “Pleasure to welcome His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk to India. We had very warm and positive discussions on various facets of the unique and exemplary India-Bhutan relationship. Deeply value His Majesty’s vision for the development and well being of the friendly people of Bhutan.”
The Bhutanese King’s visit marks another significant milestone in the close and enduring relationship between the two neighboring nations.
The visit holds the promise of fostering and strengthening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was emphasized that the relationship between the two nations is defined by deep understanding and mutual trust. The visit serves as an opportunity to review and advance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, contributing to an exemplary partnership.
“His Majesty commended the excellent organization of the recently concluded G20 Summit hosted by India, and forging consensus for constructive decisions and outcomes contained in the Delhi Declaration. He particularly appreciated India’s efforts in effectively integrating the interest and priorities of the countries in the Global South in the G20 deliberations and outcome documents,” said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in April 2023. They positively assessed expanding partnership between the two countries, including in new areas of connectivity in its broadest form, cross-border trade infrastructure, trade and mutual investments, energy, health, education, skill development, space technology, and environment conservation, and close people-to-people contacts,” the MEA added.
The Bhutanese side thanked India for the timely release of development assistance to ensure smooth and uninterrupted conclusion of crucial projects under the 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023). To take the exemplary bilateral partnership forward, the Indian side reiterated commitment to step up support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan, which was welcomed by the Bhutanese side.
“Hydro-power cooperation has been an important pillar of India-Bhutan bilateral economic partnership and it has been a productive partnership for both countries. The two sides welcomed export of surplus power by Basochhu hydro power project through the Indian Energy Exchange beginning October 2023 paving the way for access to another energy market,” said the MEA.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in construction of the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydro power project and looked forward to its early commissioning in 2024. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards speedy conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project. The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it further.
It was agreed to extend the existing India-Bhutan energy partnership in hydro to non-hydro renewables, such as solar as well as green initiatives for hydrogen and e-mobility. The Indian side assured necessary technical and financial support for projects in these areas.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s vision of sustainable transformation during his recent meeting with the Bhutanese King. This commitment reflects India’s enduring partnership and shared aspirations with its Himalayan neighbor.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk also shared his impressions of his visit to Assam during a meeting with S. Jaishankar. The External Affairs Minister expressed his privilege to meet with the Bhutanese King and stated, “Privilege to call on His Majesty, the King of Bhutan shortly after his arrival in New Delhi. Pleased to hear about the experience of his first visit to Assam. India supports the vision of sustainable transformation of Bhutan under His Majesty’s guidance.”
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening is considered significant from the boundary perspective. Though officially no word on border dispute between Bhutan, China and India but media reports suggest it was on the top agenda. Recently the Bhutanese Foreign Minister concluded his tour to China which Bhutan dubbed as “a grand success”.
Last month, China and Bhutan signed a “Cooperation Agreement” outlining the responsibilities and functions of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the delimitation and demarcation of the boundary between the two countries after their 25th round of border talks in Beijing. Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Dr.Tandi Dorji had visited Beijing, where he and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held the 25th Round of Boundary Talks. It marked a crucial step in resolving the decade-old boundary dispute between the two neighbouring nations.
India will continue to watch as both Beijing and Thimphu move from dispute negotiation to border demarcation. With sensitive sectors like Doklam being unresolved and new claims in the Sakteng region, India will be cautious of Beijing’s ability and intention to alter the status quo.
