Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Narendra Modi discuss entire gamut of bilateral cooperation
Visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions covering the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest during their meeting on Thursday.
The King and his wife Jetsun Pema Wangchuck are on an official visit to India on November 5 and November 6.
"India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by mutual understanding, trust and exceptional cooperation at all levels. The bilateral discussions were held in a spirit of profound friendship, and reflected the strong historical ties, goodwill and understanding that exist between the two countries," read the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in March 2024 and welcomed the regular high-level visits and consultations covering diverse sectors of cooperation.
"They positively assessed the expanding partnership between the two countries, including in areas of trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-mobility, space technology, environment conservation, and people-to-people contacts," the statement said.
"His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister of India expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations. His Majesty the King conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development," the statement further said.
as per MEA statement, Clean energy cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Bhutan bilateral partnership.
Reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation as elaborated in the Joint Vision Statement on India-Bhutan Energy Partnership released during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan in March 2024, the leaders reviewed recent progress in strategic partnerships in the energy sector, including non-hydro renewable energy between Indian and Bhutanese entities through access to Indian financing and energy markets.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project was nearing completion, and looked forward to its commissioning in the near future.
The leaders agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydropower project.
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