Foreign Secretaries of India and Bhutan meet in New Delhi, review bilateral cooperation, and sign key agreements to boost connectivity and energy partnership.
New Delhi, September 29 — Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Vikram Misri, welcomed Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary, Aum Pema Choden, in New Delhi today for a round of consultations. The meeting reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan, reaffirming the strong and unique friendship between the two neighbors.
Both sides noted significant progress in various areas, especially energy partnership. They welcomed the successful commissioning of all six units of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, a key milestone under the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership.
The Foreign Secretaries also expressed satisfaction with ongoing development cooperation projects under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan. These initiatives, supported by the Government of India, are advancing well and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Bhutan.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of cross-border railway links between India and Bhutan. The first two proposed links will connect Kokrajhar to Gelephu, and Banarhat to Samtse. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity, strengthen economic cooperation, and promote closer people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The visit reflects the continued commitment of India and Bhutan to deepening their time-tested partnership and working together for mutual growth and development.
Source: MEA
