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India's Bhutan Boost: Rs 4,000 Crore Credit and Varanasi Temple Land Grant

India has significantly strengthened its partnership with Bhutan through multiple agreements. The Rs 4,000 crore line of credit will support economic development in the Himalayan nation. Cultural ties get a boost with land granted in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house. The countries also signed agreements covering renewable energy, health cooperation, and mental health collaboration.

Key Points: India Extends Rs 4000 Crore Credit to Bhutan for Development

  • India extends Rs 4,000 crore line of credit to boost Bhutan's economic development
  • Land granted in Varanasi for Bhutanese temple and guest house complex
  • New immigration check post established at Hatisar across Gelephu
  • Multiple MoUs signed covering renewable energy, health, and mental health cooperation
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India extends Rs 4,000 crore line of credit to Bhutan, grants land in Varanasi for Bhutanese temple

India grants Rs 4,000 crore line of credit to Bhutan, offers Varanasi land for Bhutanese temple, and signs renewable energy and health cooperation agreements.

"The MoU seeks to institutionalise the bilateral engagements in the field of renewable energy - Official Statement"

Thimphu, Nov 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project constructed under a bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan, marking a major milestone in the energy partnership between the two countries. The two sides also reached an understanding on the resumption of work on the main dam structure of the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project.

India has extended a Rs 4,000 crore Line of Credit (LoC) to Bhutan to spur economic development in the Himalayan country.

In another key development to strengthen bilateral cultural ties PM Modi announced the granting of land in Varanasi for building a Bhutanese Temple and Guest House in the holy city.

Besides, the two sides have decided to establish an Immigration Check Post in Hatisar across Gelephu.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during PM Modi's visit include an MoU on cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy signed by Bhutan's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering and India's New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi. The MoU seeks to institutionalise the bilateral engagements in the field of renewable energy and aims to work together in areas such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass, energy storage, Green Hydrogen and capacity building in these areas.

An MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine was also signed, and seeks to institutionalise bilateral health cooperation in areas including - drugs, diagnostics and devices; maternal health; prevention and treatment of communicable/non-communicable diseases; traditional medicine; digital health interventions, including telemedicine; and technical collaboration, joint research and capacity building of health professionals.

Another MoU was inked between the PEMA Secretariat, Bhutan and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), India, on Building Institutional Linkage. The MoU will strengthen collaboration between the two institutions for capacity building of mental health professionals, and collaboration in developing in-country mental health courses for service enhancement and research.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Bhutanese temple in Varanasi is such a beautiful gesture! It will strengthen our cultural bonds and make our holy city even more diverse. Hope many Indian devotees will also visit this temple once built.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the cooperation, I hope the line of credit is used effectively for Bhutan's development. Sometimes these large amounts don't reach the intended beneficiaries. Proper monitoring is crucial.
S
Sarah B
The mental health collaboration with NIMHANS is particularly impressive. Mental health is such an important issue that often gets overlooked in our region. Great to see this focus!
V
Vikram M
Bhutan has always been a reliable friend to India. These energy projects will help both nations and the immigration check post will make travel easier. Good strategic move for regional stability.
K
Kavya N
The renewable energy partnership is forward-thinking! Solar, wind, and green hydrogen - exactly what our region needs. Hope this sets an example for other neighboring countries too. 🌞💡

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