King of Bhutan Visits Assam’s Jogighopa to Review Key Connectivity Projects

Assam | April 19, 2025

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, visited Jogighopa in Assam to tour the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) and the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) two flagship infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

 Assam CM Dr. Hemant Biswa extended his heartfelt gratitude to the King of Bhutan for the visit, which reaffirms the strong bond and shared commitment between Assam and Bhutan.

The King was warmly received by Jayanta Malla Baruah, Assam’s Minister for Public Health Engineering and Housing & Urban Affairs, reflecting the deep respect and cordiality that mark the ties between India and Bhutan.

The visit underscored the growing importance of regional connectivity and logistics integration, especially in the context of India's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This policy has been pivotal in fostering stronger people-to-people connections and facilitating trade and transit cooperation with Bhutan and other neighboring countries.

The Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal, inaugurated in February 2025, is a critical component of India's strategy to boost multi-modal transport in the Northeast. Designed to ease cargo movement and improve logistics efficiency, the IWT alongside the developing Multi Modal Logistics Park aims to transform Jogighopa into a key economic hub for the region. These initiatives are expected to greatly benefit Bhutan as well, by offering alternative transit routes and improving access to Indian and international markets. The project is also expected to play a vital role in supporting the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City in Bhutan.

India and Bhutan share a unique and time-tested relationship, built on a foundation of mutual trust, goodwill, and deep-rooted cultural connections. High-level visits and frequent bilateral engagements are hallmarks of this enduring friendship. The King’s visit to Assam continues this tradition, reflecting the close bonds and shared vision between the two nations.

The visit not only reaffirmed Bhutan’s interest in deepening its economic engagement with India’s Northeast but also highlighted the collective aspiration to work towards sustainable, inclusive, and connected development in the sub-region.

As both countries continue to invest in infrastructure, trade, and transit projects, such visits are instrumental in building confidence, exploring new opportunities, and charting the path forward for a stronger and more prosperous South Asia.