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Key Points

India and Bhutan are launching a major new rail connectivity initiative between the two countries. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced this significant project during a joint press conference with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The initiative reflects the exceptional trust and mutual respect that characterizes India-Bhutan relations. This development comes alongside India's commitment of Rs 10,000 crore for Bhutan's latest five-year development plan.

Key Points: India Bhutan Launch Major Rail Connectivity Initiative Says Misri

  • India commits Rs 10,000 crore for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan from 2024-2029
  • Project includes railway connectivity and high-impact community development initiatives
  • Both Bhutan's King and Prime Minister maintain regular high-level visits to India
  • India remains Bhutan's largest provider of developmental assistance and modernization support
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Major new initiative between India and Bhutan on rail connectivity, says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announces major India-Bhutan rail connectivity project, highlighting Rs 10,000 crore development assistance and strengthened bilateral ties.

"There is a major new initiative between India and Bhutan on the establishment of rail connectivity between our two countries - Vikram Misri"

New Delhi, September 29

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday announced a "major new initiative" between India and Bhutan for the establishment of rail connectivity between the two countries.

"There is a major new initiative between India and Bhutan on the establishment of rail connectivity between our two countries," Misri said at a joint press conference in Delhi with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Misri stated, "India and Bhutan share a relationship of exceptional trust, mutual respect and understanding. This is a relationship that is rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, extensive people-to-people relations and our shared developmental and security interests."

"These ties are reflected in very close contact at the highest levels. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan last year in March 2024, he was conferred the Order of the Druk Yalpo, which is the highest civilian award of Bhutan," he noted.

The Foreign Secretary pointed out that both Bhutan's King and its Prime Minister have been engaging closely with India. "His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and the Prime Minister of Bhutan have been visiting India regularly. His Majesty the King was here earlier to attend Mahakumbh, and, the Prime Minister was here just a few weeks ago to attend the consecration of the Bhutanese temple in Rajgir," Misri said.

On India's role in Bhutan's development, Misri underlined, "The Government of India has been Bhutan's largest provider of developmental assistance and has played a vital role in its modernisation, especially in the areas of infrastructure and the overall economic development of the country."

"For the 13th Five-Year Plan of Bhutan, which runs from 2024 to 2029, the Government of India has committed support of Rs 10,000 crores, which covers project-wide assistance, high-impact community development projects, the economic stimulus program and a program grant. And this quantum constitutes a 100 per cent increase over the 12th five-year plan figures," he added.

The joint press conference was addressed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the launch of new railway projects between India and Bhutan.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 10,000 crores is a huge commitment! While I support strengthening ties with Bhutan, I hope this massive investment brings tangible benefits to both countries. The railway should create jobs and economic opportunities for people on both sides of the border.
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Arjun K
Bhutan has always been our closest friend in the region. The cultural and civilizational ties mentioned by the Foreign Secretary are real - we share so much history. This railway project will only strengthen our bond. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in infrastructure development, I'm curious about the technical challenges. Building railways in mountainous terrain like Bhutan requires advanced engineering. Hope our Indian Railways expertise can handle this successfully.
V
Vikram M
This is strategic thinking! Better connectivity with Bhutan not only helps economically but also strengthens our regional security. In today's geopolitical scenario, having strong neighbors is crucial. Well done to our diplomats and leaders.
M
Meera T
While I appreciate the initiative, I hope the environmental impact is carefully studied. Bhutan is known for its pristine environment and we must ensure our development projects don't harm their natural beauty. Sustainable development should be the focus.

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