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Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed during an event to mark the 70th birthday celebrations of the fourth king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in Thimphu, Bhutan. (@MEAIndia/X via PTI Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Wednesday said that a an immigration checkpost between the two countries will be established at Hatisar in Assam. In a joint statement, the two nations said that the checkpost will facilitate the movement of investors and visitors to Bhutan’s upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City.
PM Modi is on a two-day Bhutan visit at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He is likely to return on Wednesday evening.
During PM Modi’s visit, India and Bhutan agreed to strengthen border and transport infrastructure. The two sides welcomed the operationalisation of the immigration checkpost at Darranga in 2024 and the opening of the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogigopha in March 2025.
They further said the signing of an MoU in September 2025 to establish cross-border rail links between Gelephu-Kokrajhar and Samtse-Banarhat and the formation of a project steering committee to oversee implementation boosted the relations between the two nations.
Hydropower cooperation expands
PM Modi and King Wangchuck jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on Tuesday (November 11) in Thimphu. The project, which will export electricity to India, marks another milestone in the two countries’ long-standing energy partnership. The leaders also agreed to resume work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project and to expedite its completion.
India announced a concessional line of credit worth Rs 40 billion for Bhutan’s energy projects. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership signed in March 2024.
Other agreements
The two countries signed three MoUs covering renewable energy, health and medicine, and institutional linkages between Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat and India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.
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Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan and its Economic Stimulus Programme. The visit also saw both sides review cooperation in fintech, space, and STEM education.
The Bhutanese side thanked India for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential goods and fertilisers and for the arrival of the first consignment under a new arrangement.
Both countries agreed to continue high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation across key sectors.
English (US) ·