Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay held fruitful talks on Thursday in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing their nations' relationship. Tobgay's visit marked his first overseas trip in this term.

Expressing delight at meeting his Bhutanese counterpart, Modi highlighted the comprehensive discussions covering various aspects of their unique partnership. He also extended gratitude to Bhutan's King and Prime Minister for inviting him to visit Bhutan the following week.

The discussions encompassed economic, trade, and strategic matters, including development projects and agreements in areas such as food and energy conservation. Geopolitical concerns, particularly Bhutan's boundary talks with China, were also on the agenda.

Tobgay's visit to India, his first foreign trip since reelection in January, holds significance, especially with Bhutan launching a ₹1,500-crore economic stimulus package with Indian aid. This visit gains further importance as China engages in boundary dispute talks with Bhutan, raising regional security implications.

Highlighting the strong friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Tobgay's visit provided an opportunity to review progress and discuss expanding ties further.

India has pledged increased support to Bhutan's development plans, particularly as it enters its 13th Five-Year Plan with the aim of becoming a high-income economy by 2034. Under the previous plan, India implemented numerous assistance and development projects in Bhutan, including a significant commitment towards trade support.

Recent approvals from the Union Cabinet include agreements between Bhutan's Food and Drug Authority and India's Food Safety and Standards Authority, along with a memorandum of understanding on energy efficiency between relevant departments of both countries.

Following the bilateral meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to meet Tobgay, who will also have engagements with President Droupadi Murmu and a program in Mumbai before concluding his visit.

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