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PM Modi in Bhutan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India and Bhutan are connected not only by borders but also by cultures.
PM Modi in Bhutan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India and Bhutan are connected not only by borders but also by cultures. He called for increasing energy cooperation and connectivity between the two neighboring countries. Speaking at an event organized at Changlimthang Stadium on the occasion of the 70th birth anniversary of former King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Modi said that connectivity creates opportunity and opportunity creates prosperity. Keeping this goal in mind, it has been decided to connect Gelephu and Samtse cities with India’s vast rail network in the near future. The Prime Minister said that the completion of this project will make it easier for Bhutan’s industries and Bhutanese farmers to access the huge market of India. He said that both the countries are also making rapid progress on border infrastructure. Modi said that India is also providing all possible support to the vision of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s dream project Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Emphasis on increasing energy and rail connectivity
He said that in the near future, India will also build an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu so that the tourists and investors coming here can get more facilities. The Prime Minister said that the energy partnership between the two countries is gaining momentum. He reminded that the foundation of India-Bhutan hydropower partnership was laid under the leadership of the former king. He praised the Bhutanese leadership’s sustainable development and environment-first vision, saying it helped Bhutan become the world’s first carbon-negative country. He said that this is an extraordinary achievement. Today Bhutan is one of the world’s leading countries in per capita renewable energy production. Noting that Bhutan generates 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. Modi said that a new hydropower project with a capacity of more than 1,000 MW is being started in Bhutan, which will increase Bhutan’s hydropower potential by 40 percent.
Spiritual and cultural relations between the two countries
He further said that they are also working to restart another long-stalled hydropower project. Modi said that our partnership is not limited to hydropower only. Now we are taking big steps together in the field of solar energy also. Important agreements related to this have also been signed today. Modi said this is a very important day for Bhutan, the Bhutanese royal family and all those who believe in world peace. Referring to the former king’s 70th birthday celebrations, he said there has been a deep spiritual and cultural bond between India and Bhutan for centuries. Therefore, it was India’s and my commitment to participate in this important occasion.
Also read: Modi on Bhutan tour from 11th, relations between the two countries will reach a new height, will inaugurate hydroelectric project
