External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Bhutan’s development goals and priorities during his official visit to Bhutan from September 16 to 18.
Jaishankar and Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel reviewed bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual importance. The two sides also noted progress in strengthening the India-Bhutan partnership.
During the visit, the ministers jointly inaugurated and launched several development projects, including the 65-bed Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar, the Jaganathan Bridge on the Samdrup Jongkhar-Trashigang Highway and the transfer of 43 Jersey cows from India to the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang.
India also handed over 54 electric vehicles to the Bhutanese Government. The ministers laid the foundation stone for the 500-kilowatt Lunana Hydropower Project and reviewed progress in energy cooperation under the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership signed in March 2024.
The two sides also noted developments including the inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, the signing of its Tariff Protocol and the resumption of dam construction for the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. They welcomed the signing of an agreement for a concessional Line of Credit of ₹4,000 crore for energy projects in Bhutan and the participation of Indian companies in Bhutanese hydropower projects.
The ministers also welcomed the operationalisation of a UPI-based facility that enables Bhutanese nationals to make digital payments in India using Bhutanese mobile applications.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay.