Bhutan's King Explores Jogighopa Terminal and Logistics Hub in Assam
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Synopsis
On April 20, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited Assam to assess the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multi Modal Logistics Park in Jogighopa, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Bhutan and India.
Key Takeaways
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited Assam.
- The purpose was to examine the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multi Modal Logistics Park.
- These projects aim to enhance trade and connectivity.
- Strong ties between Assam and Bhutan were emphasized.
- PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to Bhutan.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited Assam to inspect the facilities at the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) and the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) located in Jogighopa, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.
The IWT and MMLP are pivotal connectivity projects aimed at enhancing trade and fostering regional growth.
Upon his arrival in Assam on Saturday, the King was welcomed by Jayanta Mallabaruah, the Minister for Public Health Engineering and Housing and Urban Affairs.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to X to extend a heartfelt welcome to the King of Bhutan. He stated, "A very warm welcome to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, to Assam. The Jogighopa MMLP will be transformative for the broader Indo-Bhutan region and will facilitate smooth trade and logistics movement. It will also contribute to the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City."
CM Sarma added, "His Majesty's visit highlights the mutual interests and strong bonds between Assam and Bhutan for a shared future for our citizens."
As part of its 'Neighbourhood First' strategy, the Centre has been actively pursuing numerous connectivity projects to strengthen people-to-people relationships and promote trade and economic collaboration with Bhutan, according to the MEA.
The IWT, inaugurated in February of this year, is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at economic advancement and improving connectivity in the region, as stated by the MEA.
"India and Bhutan enjoy exceptional ties of friendship and cooperation, founded on mutual respect, trust, and goodwill at all levels. The visit of the King of Bhutan to Jogighopa is consistent with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations," it further stated.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's dedication to collaborating with Bhutan across various sectors during his meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
"Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India's friendship with Bhutan is strong. We are collaborating extensively in several sectors," PM Modi shared on X after their meeting.
This interaction allowed both leaders to discuss ways to enhance the Indo-Bhutan friendship.
Expressing his satisfaction, Tobgay also took to social media to post, "Always a pleasure to meet my elder brother and mentor PM Narendra Modi. We discussed BIMSTEC, enhancing regional cooperation, and advancing Bhutan-India friendship."
