PM Modi's 2-Day State Visit to Bhutan: Strengthening India-Bhutan Strategic Partnership and Infrastructure Development

India remains Bhutan's largest development partner (File)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make a state visit to Bhutan from November 11-12. This diplomatic engagement aims to reinforce the distinctive friendship and cooperation bonds between the two nations, continuing the tradition of regular high-level bilateral exchanges, according to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his stay, the Prime Minister will have an audience with Bhutan's King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Together, they will inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a joint development initiative between the Indian Government and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The Prime Minister will also participate in celebrations honoring the 70th birth anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan's Fourth King. Additionally, he will meet with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Prime Minister Modi's visit coincides with the exposition of sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from India. He will offer prayers to these holy relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and join the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by Bhutan's Royal Government.

India and Bhutan enjoy a unique and exemplary partnership characterized by deep mutual trust, goodwill, and respect. Their shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people connections highlight this special relationship.

The Prime Minister's visit presents an opportunity for both nations to explore ways to enhance bilateral partnership and exchange perspectives on regional and broader issues of mutual interest.

During his visit, PM Modi will review progress on two new India-Bhutan railway projects: the Kokrajhar-Gelephu line connecting Assam to southern Bhutan, and the Banarhat-Samtse line linking West Bengal with southwestern Bhutan.

The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line, estimated at Rs 3,456 crore, will include six stations, two major bridges, 29 additional major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goods sheds, a flyover, and 39 underpasses, with a projected four-year construction period. The Banarhat-Samtse line, costing Rs 577 crore, will feature two stations, one major bridge, 24 minor bridges, an overpass, and 37 underpasses, with completion expected within three years.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that these projects would "enhance the overall connectivity between the two countries." He noted, "The two areas selected are significant. Gelephu is the centrepiece of The Gelephu Mindfulness City, a strategic and visionary project conceived by Bhutan's King, for which we have expressed our support. This project is envisioned as an economic hub for that region of Bhutan. With Assam on its border, the project will create a spinoff effect for the entire region."

Regarding the Samtse project, Misri explained, "Potential exports from this area to India include dolomite, ferro-silicon, quartzite, and stone chips. It is an established principle of transport economics that railway movement of cargo is far more economical than roads."

Both railway projects were initiated following PM Modi's visit to Bhutan in March 2024, when the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding.

India continues to be Bhutan's largest development partner. Under Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29), India has committed Rs 10,000 crore toward community development projects and programme grants, and remains Bhutan's principal trading partner.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited India twice this year. In February, he attended the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership, inaugurated by Modi. Before his second visit in September, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that these consecutive visits reflect the "close cooperation and ties between India and Bhutan, built on trust, goodwill, and regular high-level exchanges."