Key Takeaways
- PM Modi visits Bhutan November 11-12 to strengthen bilateral ties
- Two major railway projects worth ₹4,033 crore to be reviewed
- India committed ₹10,000 crore under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan
- Leaders to inaugurate 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a state visit to Bhutan on November 11-12, 2024, to reinforce the special friendship and cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
High-Level Engagements Planned
During his visit, PM Modi will hold meetings with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The leaders will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a major collaborative venture between both governments.
The Prime Minister will also participate in celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Spiritual and Cultural Connections
The timing coincides with the exposition of sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha from India. PM Modi will offer prayers at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and join the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by Bhutan’s Royal Government.
Major Infrastructure Push
A significant focus will be reviewing progress on two transformative railway projects:
Kokrajhar-Gelephu Railway Line
- Cost: ₹3,456 crore
- Connects Assam to southern Bhutan
- 6 stations, 31 major bridges, 65 minor bridges
- Expected completion: 4 years
Banarhat-Samtse Railway Line
- Cost: ₹577 crore
- Links West Bengal with southwestern Bhutan
- 2 stations, 1 major bridge, 24 minor bridges
- Expected completion: 3 years
Strategic Importance
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that “the projects would enhance the overall connectivity between the two countries.” He noted Gelephu’s significance as the centerpiece of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, an economic hub envisioned by the Bhutanese King.
“Since Assam is on its border, the project will have a spinoff effect for the entire region,” Misri stated.
Regarding the Samtse project, Misri highlighted potential exports including dolomite, ferro-silicon, quartzite and stone chips, noting that “railway movement of cargo is far more economic than roads.”
Sustained Partnership
Both railway initiatives follow PM Modi’s March 2024 visit when the nations signed an MoU. India remains Bhutan’s largest development partner and top trading partner, with committed support of ₹10,000 crore under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29).
The back-to-back visits by both leaders this year underscore the deep trust and regular high-level exchanges characterizing this unique bilateral relationship.
