Strengthening India- Bhutan Relations: Visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary to India

India and Bhutan reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties as Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden visited New Delhi and held discussions with India’s Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri. The visit highlighted cooperation in energy, connectivity, and development projects, signaling a new phase in the partnership between the two Himalayan neighbors.

Review of Bilateral Engagements

During the talks, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Bhutan relations.

· A key highlight was the successful commissioning of all six units of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. This marks a major milestone under the India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership, further cementing energy cooperation between the two countries.

· India’s development cooperation projects under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan were also discussed. These initiatives are already delivering tangible benefits for the Bhutanese people, reflecting India’s continued commitment to Bhutan’s progress.

New Connectivity: India-Bhutan Railway Links

A landmark outcome of the visit was the signing of an Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the first ever railway connections between India and Bhutan.

Proposed Railway Routes

·       Kokrajhar (India) – Gelephu (Bhutan)

·       Banarhat (India) – Samtse (Bhutan)

These railway projects will boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity,

while opening new economic opportunities in Bhutan and India’s Northeast region.

Strategic Importance of the Visit

Deepening Bilateral Ties

The visit reinforced the strategic and time-tested friendship between India and Bhutan. Both nations emphasized mutual trust, cooperation, and shared goals in sustainable development.

Energy Security and Sustainability

The hydropower collaboration is not just a symbol of friendship but also a step towards clean energy and regional energy security. Bhutan gains from exporting surplus power, while India benefits from a reliable renewable energy source.

Regional Connectivity

The new rail links will enhance physical connectivity, reduce transit costs, and integrate Bhutan more closely with regional trade networks.

Challenges Ahead

While the announcements are promising, both nations need to address some challenges for smooth execution:

·   Difficult Himalayan terrain and engineering hurdles for railway construction.

·   Ensuring timely financing and implementation of large projects.

·  Harmonizing customs, immigration, and security procedures for cross-border rail operations.