Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan, scheduled for November 11–12, is aimed at further deepening trade, investment, and connectivity between the two nations. Governed by the 2007 Friendship Treaty and the 2016 Trade Agreement, India and Bhutan share a unique free-trade relationship, with India accounting for nearly 80 percent of Bhutan’s total trade in 2024. Bilateral trade reached ₹12,669 crore last year, reflecting steady growth.
Key Highlights
- PM Modi’s Bhutan visit aims to boost bilateral trade, investment, connectivity, and strategic cooperation across key sectors.
- Focus areas include new rail links, hydropower projects, digital integration, and youth-led initiatives for sustainable growth.
The visit will focus on enhancing cross-border connectivity through rail links, roadways, and digital infrastructure. Recently, India and Bhutan signed an MoU to develop two rail routes — Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse — with a total investment of over ₹4,000 crore. New immigration points and inland waterways like the Jogigopha Terminal are also boosting regional trade.
Hydropower cooperation remains central to ties, with five major joint projects totaling 3,156 MW operational and more under development. The partnership is expanding into new sectors like space technology and fintech — with initiatives such as the RuPay Card, BHIM UPI, and the jointly developed India-Bhutan SAT satellite.
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India also supports Bhutan’s youth and national service projects, including the Gyalsung Programme and Gelephu Mindfulness City, underscoring a shared vision for sustainable development and regional prosperity.
