Bhutan King Meets PM Modi, Supports India's Bid To Forge Unity Among Global South
The two sides agreed on a final location survey for the proposed cross-border train link between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan, according to a joint statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Monday India's full support for Bhutan's socioeconomic development based on its priorities, even as the two sides agreed to increase cross-border connectivity and expand ties in trade, infrastructure, and energy, news agency PTI reported. The two sides agreed on a final location survey for the proposed cross-border train link between Kokrajhar in Assam and Gelephu in Bhutan, according to a joint statement released following extensive negotiations between Modi and Wangchuck.
They also agreed to look into the possibility of creating a rail link between Banarhat, West Bengal, and Samtse, Bhutan.
According to the statement, Modi and Wangchuck "positively assessed" developing the India-Bhutan collaboration in new sectors such as "broadest form" connectivity, cross-border trade infrastructure, commerce and mutual investments, energy, health, education, space technology, and people-to-people interactions.
The Bhutan King began his eight-day tour to India on November 3 in Guwahati. His high-profile visit to India coincided with a fresh attempt by Bhutan and China to resolve their decades-old border conflict.
"In his interaction with His Majesty, the prime minister reaffirmed India's abiding commitment to its unique ties of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of His Majesty," the joint statement was quoted by PTI in its report.
Wangchuck provided unique perspectives and views on Bhutan's ongoing reform process, and expressed gratitude for the vital support that India continues to provide for Bhutan's socioeconomic growth, according to the statement.
"The Bhutanese side thanked the government of 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)," the statement said.
"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," it said.
According to the statement, Modi and Wangchuck discussed bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global problems of mutual concern.
During the delegation-level talks, the two sides agreed on nine specific items, including conducting a final site study of the proposed cross-border rail link from Kokrajhar to Gelephu with the assistance of New Delhi.
The two parties appreciated the Indian Railways' effective completion of the preliminary engineering-cum-traffic (PET) survey of the rail link.
They also decided to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup Jongkhar (Bhutan) as immigration checkpoints between Bhutan and India to ease third-country nationals' entry and leave via land route, therefore improving connectivity and encouraging tourism.
According to the joint statement, India would positively examine Bhutan's proposal for concessional finance under the GyalSung initiative for skill development and capacity building.
It was also planned to add the Haldibari (West Bengal) to Chilahati (Bangladesh) train link to Bhutan's commerce with Bangladesh.
According to the announcement, India would provide bridging finance for Bhutan-assisted projects and initiatives between the 12th and 13th Five Year Plans.
It was also agreed to improve commercial infrastructure, including the conversion of the current Land Customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to an Integrated Check Post with India's assistance, as well as the creation of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu.
The two sides also agreed to improve their collaboration framework in environmental conservation and wildlife preservation, emphasising their shared commitment to preserving the region's natural richness.
It was also resolved to give more MBBS seats for Bhutanese students at medical institutions in Assam in order to guarantee Bhutanese people have access to excellent medical education and training.
Another decision was made, according to the release, to quadruple the outlay under the Ambassador's scholarship for Bhutanese students pursuing higher education in India.
It stated that the two parties welcomed the export of surplus electricity from the Basochhu hydropower project via the Indian energy exchange commencing in October 2023, clearing the path for access to another energy market.
According to the report, the King issued an offer to Modi to undertake an official visit to Bhutan, which the prime minister accepted.
The visit's dates will be arranged through diplomatic procedures, according to the statement.
The King praised India's superb organising of the recently finished G20 Summit, as well as creating agreement for positive actions and outcomes reflected in the Delhi Declaration, according to the joint statement.
He praised India's efforts in successfully incorporating the interests and goals of nations in the Global South into G20 debates and result agreements, according to the statement.
Bhutan's King will travel to Mumbai from Delhi.
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