Thimphu: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s three-day visit to Bhutan from September 16 to 18 highlighted India’s expanding cooperation with its Himalayan neighbour across infrastructure, technology, healthcare and agriculture.
The visit reflected the longstanding relationship between the two countries, with Jaishankar meeting Bhutanese leaders and participating in several development initiatives.
New Hydropower And Infrastructure Projects
Jaishankar attended the foundation stone ceremony for the 500 KW Lunana Hydropower Project in northern Bhutan’s Gasa district. The project marks another step in the countries’ decades-long energy partnership, which began with the Jungshina hydropower plant in Thimphu in 1967.
He also inaugurated the 65-bed Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar, aimed at improving access to specialised maternal and child healthcare.
An 80-metre-long bridge in Samdrup Jongkhar, constructed through Project Dantak, was also inaugurated to improve connectivity between Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Bhutanese Citizens To Use UPI In India
The second phase of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched during the visit, allowing Bhutanese citizens to make digital payments in India. The first phase had enabled Indian travellers to use UPI in Bhutan.
An agreement renewing the Nehru-Wangchuck Scholarship programme was also exchanged. The scholarship, established in 2009, supports Bhutanese students pursuing postgraduate education at leading Indian institutions.
Electric Vehicles And Dairy Development
Jaishankar handed over 54 Mahindra electric vehicles to Bhutan, following the transfer of 45 EVs in July. Another 45 electric buses are expected to be procured under the same project, which supports Bhutan’s transition towards electric mobility.
In the agricultural sector, India provided 43 purebred Jersey cows for Bhutan’s dairy cattle breeding programme. The initiative aims to improve milk production and support local farmers, with the breeding programme expected to benefit around 40,000 farmers.
During his visit, Jaishankar also joined Bhutan’s King in lighting butter lamps at Tashichhodzong to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and celebrate the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.
