India, Bhutan vow to expand cooperation in space, trade

India and Bhutan on Thursday vowed to further expand their “exemplary” partnership across all sectors with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying to Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck New Delhi’s strong commitment to the economic development of the Himalayan nation.

Shortly after Wangchuck arrived here on a two-day trip, he and Modi held talks focusing on boosting cooperation in diverse areas, including hydropower, connectivity, trade and investment and space and technology.

Wangchuck and Modi held discussions covering the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Bhutanese King was received at the airport by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in reflection of the importance India attached to the visit. The King is accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck and senior officials of the Bhutanese government.

Following the talks, PM Modi hosted a lunch in honour of the King and the Queen.

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to its enduring friendship and cooperation with Bhutan, emphasising continued and full support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development based on the priorities of the Royal Government.

The joint statement said Modi and Wangchuck positively assessed the expanding bilateral partnership, including in areas of trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, digital economy, space technology, environment conservation and people-to-people contacts.