India is one of Bhutan's main development partners
Meeting Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in New Delhi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's continued support to the country's socio-economic development.
 
The King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of India held discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
 
According to the Joint Statement issued after the talks, Prime Minister Modi 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 King of Bhutan, accompanied by senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, is on an official visit to India from November 3-10, 2023. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier called on the King of Bhutan.
 
INDIA-BHUTAN HYDRO-POWER COOPERATION 
 
Here are some key points from the discussions according to the Joint Statement:
 
Hydro-power cooperation has been an important pillar of India-Bhutan bilateral economic partnership and it has been a productive partnership for both countries. 
 
1. The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it further.
 
2. The two sides welcomed export of surplus power by the Basochhu hydro power project through the Indian Energy Exchange beginning October 2023 paving the way for access to another energy market.
 
3. 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.
 
During the meeting, the King of Bhutan 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).
 
Prime Minister Modi earlier extended a hearty welcome to the King of Bhutan on his visit to India.
 
“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," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.
 
The King of Bhutan earlier visited Assam where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called on him and discussed a wide range of issues. These included rail connectivity, cross-border trade infrastructure, economic cooperation, tourism, education, skill development, environmental conservation, and nurturing people to people connections.
 
From New Delhi, he will travel to Mumbai where Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will call on him. He will also meet Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais. While in Mumbai, he will interact with Indian business leaders to explore new avenues for expanding economic and commercial ties between India and Bhutan.
 
According to the MEA, the visit reinforced the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. "His Majesty, The King of Bhutan extended an invitation to Prime Minister of India to pay an official visit to Bhutan. Hon’ble Prime Minister accepted the invitation; dates for the visit will be decided through diplomatic channels," the MEA added.
 
UNIQUE TIES BASED ON FRIENDSHIP & COOPERATION 
 
India and Bhutan enjoy a unique relationship based on friendship and cooperation, which is characterized by understanding and mutual trust. "The visit would provide an opportunity to both the sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the exemplary bilateral partnership, across diverse sectors," the MEA said last week. 
 
Prime Minister Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also met in New Delhi earlier this year.
 
During their meeting on April 4, 2023, the two leaders discussed the economic and development partnership, sustainable trade facilitation measures, and new paradigms on energy cooperation. 
 
On Monday, the two leaders positively assessed the 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.
 
India has been one of Bhutan's main development partners and has been providing assistance to Bhutan’s Five-Year Plans (FYPs) since 1961. Bhutan has benefited from Indian assistance in the fields of infrastructural development, hydroelectric power, health & education, and space.
 
During the talks in New Delhi on Monday, the Bhutanese side thanked the Indian government 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.