How is India Strengthening Ties with Bhutan?
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Synopsis
India's Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, recently met with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. They explored ongoing initiatives and signed a significant MoU for railway connections. Discover how these developments enhance cooperation and foster the special friendship between India and Bhutan.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting highlights a commitment to cooperation.
- Focus on enhancing bilateral initiatives.
- Successful commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project.
- Signing of MoU for cross-border railway links.
- Continued development support under Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan.
Thimphu, Sep 30 (NationPress) India's Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, met with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Monday, expressing gratitude for his assistance in enhancing the unique friendship and collaboration between the two nations while promoting various initiatives.
"The Ambassador met with H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan. We are grateful for his warmth and support in fortifying the special friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, as well as his encouragement for advancing several ongoing initiatives and collaborative projects," the Indian Embassy in Bhutan stated in a post on X.
Tobgay mentioned that both he and Arya reaffirmed their commitment to furthering cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Detailing the meeting, Tobgay posted on X, "I was pleased to meet H.E. Shri Sandeep Arya, Ambassador of India to Bhutan. We reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the special bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries."
This meeting followed discussions held between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and her Bhutanese counterpart Aum Pema Choden during the latter's visit to India. Both Foreign Secretaries evaluated the complete range of bilateral engagements and acknowledged the advancements achieved in all key areas of cooperation.
"They specifically welcomed the successful commissioning of all six units of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, which marks a major milestone in realizing the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership. They also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development cooperation projects and initiatives being executed with support from the Government of India under Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan, which are progressing well and providing tangible benefits to the Bhutanese people," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read on Monday.
On Monday, India and Bhutan signed an Inter-Governmental MoU to establish railway connections between the two nations. The MoU aims to create the first set of cross-border rail links connecting Kokrajhar to Gelephu and Banarhat to Serhoamtse, as per the MEA statement.
"These projects are part of our broader initiatives to enhance connectivity between the two countries and will bolster economic and people-to-people links," the MEA statement concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the enduring partnership between India and Bhutan. This meeting signifies a commitment to mutual growth and cooperation. By fostering closer ties, both nations can address shared challenges and enhance regional stability, ultimately benefiting their citizens.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between Sandeep Arya and Tshering Tobgay?
The meeting aimed to strengthen the special friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, discussing ongoing initiatives and collaborative projects.
What significant agreement was signed during the meeting?
An Inter-Governmental MoU for establishing railway links between India and Bhutan was signed, enhancing connectivity and economic ties.
