India and Bhutan Strengthen Bilateral Development Partnership During Ministerial Visit

PTI, September 18, 2026, Thimphu: India and Bhutan reviewed all aspects of bilateral ties and commended progress in development cooperation during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the country.

Jaishankar arrived in Bhutan on Wednesday on a two-day official visit aiming to further strengthen the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, Jaishankar received an audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, called on Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart D N Dhungyel.

"Honoured to receive an audience with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, The King of Bhutan in Thimphu today. Deeply value his guidance to further deepen the unique friendship between India and Bhutan," Jaishankar posted on X after meeting the King on Thursday.

“The two sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as other regional and international issues of mutual importance,” according to a joint press release issued on Friday.

They appreciated the progress in strengthening the “special and multifaceted India-Bhutan partnership. The two sides commended the progress in bilateral development cooperation,” it said. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Bhutan’s developmental goals and priorities, while Bhutan appreciated India’s support for wide-ranging programmes under its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–29).

EAM discussed advancing multifaceted engagement in development partnership, energy, trade, connectivity, culture, and people-to-people ties with his Bhutanese counterpart.

He inaugurated several projects during his visit, including the 65-bed Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar. He also laid the foundation stone for the 500 kW Lunana Hydropower Project in Gasa, northern Bhutan.

Jaishankar handed over 43 Jersey cows from India to the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang and 54 electric vehicles to the Royal Government of Bhutan. The two ministers welcomed the operationalisation of a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based facility that will enable Bhutanese nationals to make digital payments in India using Bhutanese mobile applications.

The two sides also discussed ongoing cooperation in the space sector and encouraged engagement on satellite data applications in areas such as monitoring glaciers, forest resources, floods, and agriculture.

Jaishankar reaffirmed the Government of India’s support for the Bhutanese King’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), with the two sides agreeing to continue efforts to develop collaboration on GMC-related issues.

The Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership of March 2024.

They welcomed the signing of an agreement on a concessional Line of Credit of INR 4,000 crore for energy projects in Bhutan and commended the active engagement of Indian companies in hydropower projects in the country, saying it was adding dynamism to existing energy cooperation.

India reaffirmed its commitment to establish an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar in Assam to facilitate the movement of investors and visitors to Gelephu, as announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Bhutan in November 2025.

The two sides welcomed the recent operationalisation of a new Land Customs Station in Samrang, Assam, reflecting joint efforts to expand cross-border connectivity, infrastructure, and facilities.

They reviewed progress on the establishment of cross-border rail links between Gelephu and Kokrajhar, and Samtse and Banarhat.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments and recognised the significance of close bilateral ties amid the complex international environment.

India thanked Bhutan for its support for its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028–2029 term. It also appreciated Bhutan’s ratification of the Framework Agreement of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).