EAM Jaishankar on two-day visit to Bhutan from today: What's on the agenda?
During the visit, Jaishankar will hold bilateral talks with the Bhutanese Foreign Minister, Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. He will also receive a royal audience with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Bhutan for a two-day visit from September 16-17, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The visit is in line with the ongoing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and aims to further solidify the strong friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
During his stay, Jaishankar will engage in bilateral talks with Bhutan's Foreign Minister, Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, as well as pay a royal audience to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He will also meet Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay. This visit aligns with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which prioritizes fostering close ties with neighboring countries.
Earlier this year, a high-level bilateral meeting on trans-border river cooperation took place in New Delhi between Bhutan's delegation led by Minister for Energy & Natural Resources Gem Tshering and India's delegation led by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil. The two sides discussed ongoing cooperation in water resources sector, including trans-border river management, flood forecasting, flood management, hydrological data sharing, and other areas of mutual interest.
They also reviewed the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, a joint India-Bhutan project, and discussed ways to expedite its implementation. Additionally, discussions focused on upgrading and strengthening Bhutan's hydro-meteorological network and enhancing cooperation under the existing mechanism for sharing hydrological data on transboundary rivers.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable and mutually beneficial management of transboundary water resources, pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation through sustained technical collaboration, mutual trust, and regular institutional engagement. Furthermore, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal met Bhutan's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Gem Tshering, in New Delhi, reaffirming the special and enduring partnership between India and Bhutan in the power sector.
The two ministers reviewed progress in the ongoing cooperation and explored avenues for further strengthening collaboration in the energy sector.
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