Context:

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India conveyed to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck India’s full support to the socio-economic development of Bhutan.

Key Outcomes of India Bhutan Talks

• Both countries agreed on:
  • A final location survey for the proposed cross-border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.
  • To consider establishing a rail link between Banarhat in West Bengal and Samtse in Bhutan.
  • Assessed expanding cooperation such as cross-border trade infrastructure, trade and mutual investments, energy, health, education, space technology, and people-to-people contacts.
  • To strengthen trade infrastructure with the upgradation of an existing land customs station at Dadgiri (Assam) to a modernized “Integrated Check Post” (ICP)  along with “development of facilities on the Bhutanese side at Gelephu”, indicating India’s support to the Bhutanese Special economic zone project.
• The Bhutanese side thanked the government of India for the timely release of development assistance to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conclusion of crucial projects under the 12th Five-Year Plan (2018-2023).

News Source: The Hindu