Strengthening Bonds: EAM Jaishankar’s Bhutan Visit Marks New Milestone in Bilateral Ties
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded his three-day visit to Bhutan on September 18, a diplomatic mission that underscored the enduring “Neighbourhood First” policy and the profound strategic partnership shared between New Delhi and Thimphu. The visit, characterized by high-level engagements, served to reinforce the deep-rooted trust and cooperation that define the relationship between the two nations.
During his stay in Thimphu, Dr. Jaishankar held significant discussions with the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Tshering Topgay. The meetings focused on shared priorities and the future trajectory of the bilateral relationship, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to mutual prosperity and regional stability. In a gesture of shared cultural respect, the Minister participated in a prayer ceremony at Tashichhodzong, where he lit butter lamps in honour of the two countries’ unique bond and to mark the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Advancing Connectivity and Energy Cooperation
The visit was marked by the inauguration and foundation-laying of several key infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering Bhutan’s socio-economic landscape. Among these, the foundation stone for the 500 KW Lunana Hydropower Project in northern Bhutan stands out as a symbol of the two nations’ historical energy collaboration, which began in 1967.
In the health sector, the Minister inaugurated the state-of-the-art 65-bed Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar, a facility designed to enhance healthcare access in eastern Bhutan. Additionally, the opening of the 80-metre Jaganathan Bridge, constructed by Project Dantak, will significantly improve connectivity between the Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar regions, facilitating smoother trade and travel.
Digital Integration and Sustainable Growth
A major highlight of the visit was the launch of the second phase of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Following the initial rollout that allowed Indian tourists to make digital payments in Bhutan, this new phase enables Bhutanese citizens to utilize the UPI network for transactions within India. This technological leap reflects the modernizing integration of the two economies.
Furthermore, the visit emphasized sustainable development, with Dr. Jaishankar handing over 54 Mahindra electric vehicles to Prime Minister Topgay. This initiative continues the support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, which prioritizes e-mobility and greener transport solutions. The broader effort to modernize Bhutanese infrastructure also includes the procurement of EV buses, supported by a significant financial investment from India.
Support for Agriculture and Education
The spirit of collaboration extended to the grassroots level. Dr. Jaishankar visited the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang, where he oversaw the handover of 43 purebred Jersey cows. This donation is intended to bolster dairy productivity, providing a direct economic uplift to approximately 40,000 local farmers.
The two nations also renewed their commitment to education by exchanging a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarship. Since its inception in 2009, this program has provided Bhutanese scholars with the opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies at India’s top institutions, ensuring that the human-to-human ties between the two countries remain as vibrant as their diplomatic ones.
As the visit concluded, the message was clear: India and Bhutan continue to build upon a unique partnership that is not only historical but actively evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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