Thimphu, Bhutan – Strengthening centuries-old bonds of friendship and cooperation, the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhutan (March 22-23) culminated in a Joint Statement highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations. Titled “Bhutan and Bharat: Together for Progress and Development,” the statement underscored the deep-rooted trust, goodwill, and understanding that characterize the relationship between Bhutan and India.
1. Mutual Friendship: The Joint Statement emphasised the close cultural and economic ties that bind Bhutan and India, emphasizing the exceptional neighborly relations and people-to-people connections that form the foundation of their enduring friendship.
2. Shared Values: Both nations affirmed their commitment to advancing their shared values and cultural heritage, with a mutual pledge to support each other’s national interests and security concerns.
3. Transformative Partnership: Prime Minister Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart highlighted their commitment to fostering a transformative partnership, focusing on enhancing connectivity, both physical and digital, for seamless cross-border movement and economic growth.
4. Development Partnership: Acknowledging India’s longstanding development assistance to Bhutan, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding this partnership in line with Bhutan’s priorities and vision, as well as India’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” approach.
5. Clean Energy Cooperation: Both nations celebrated their clean energy partnership and pledged to further expand cooperation in hydropower, solar, and green hydrogen sectors, leveraging technological advancements for regional energy security.
6. Technological Collaboration: Recognizing the importance of digital and technological transformation, the leaders pledged to intensify collaboration in niche sectors such as space technology, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.
7. Trade and Investment: Strengthening trade and investment linkages, particularly through the private sector, was highlighted as a key priority, aligning with Bhutan’s vision to develop the Gelephu Special Administrative Region for sustainable economic growth.
8. People-to-People Relations: Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges, both nations pledged to nurture cultural and spiritual affinities through exchanges of scholars, tourists, students, and athletes.
9. Youth Development: Recognizing the aspirations of the youth, the leaders committed to accelerating partnership in sectors promoting education, entrepreneurship, technology, sports, and creative industries.
10. Vision for the Future: Bhutan’s vision to become a high-income nation by 2034 and India’s aim to become a developed nation by 2047 were highlighted as shared goals, symbolizing their common quest for progress and prosperity.
The Joint Statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship and partnership between Bhutan and India, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared aspirations for a better future.
