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India and Bhutan discussed bilateral projects in electricity and urban planning during the visit of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk and Queen Jetsun Pema.
PM Narendra Modi assured continued Indian support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which aims to bring prosperity to Bhutan and strengthen economic ties.
Both sides discussed the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, which is nearing completion, and emphasized the need to conclude the Punatsangchhu-I project soon.
The countries also discussed cross-border connectivity projects like a rail line and improvements to digital networks.
Bhutan’s government is in discussions with Adani Group for investment in the Gelephu project, despite recent controversies surrounding Adani projects in other countries.
Gelephu project
The project is expected to be an “economic corridor connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia via India’s northeastern States”.
The city is expected to follow environmental standards and sustainability as a goal, and will aim to attract “quality investment” from “specially screened” international companies.
The project is expected to include “zero emission” industries, a “mindfulness city” that plays to Bhutan’s strength in tourism and wellness, as well as infrastructure companies.
The project is expected to be a “Special Administrative Region” that would be run under different laws to facilitate more international investment.
The project is expected to be a “point of inflection” and “transformation” for Bhutan and South Asia.
The Government of India agrees to construct the first India-Bhutan railway line to Gelephu.
Railway will also connect with roadways and border trading points into Assam and West Bengal, eventually providing Bhutan access to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.
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