During the ongoing two-day state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhutan, several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were exchanged between the two nations.
These agreements span various sectors including energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and the establishment of rail links.
Prime Minister Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, presided over the exchange of these agreements during a working lunch hosted in honor of Prime Minister Modi. The leaders engaged in discussions aimed at further enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism.
The MoUs exchanged cover a wide range of areas, reflecting the diverse scope of the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan.
One significant agreement finalised during the visit is the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of rail links between the two countries, which includes the Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse rail links.
Additionally, agreements were reached on energy efficiency, sports, and youth cooperation, recognition of official control exercised by the Bhutan Food And Drug Authority, and cooperation in the field of pharmacopoeia, among others. These agreements aim to facilitate trade, promote ease of doing business, enhance energy efficiency, and strengthen people-to-people linkages between India and Bhutan.
Furthermore, the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Peering Arrangement between the National Knowledge Network of India and the Druk Research And Education Network of Bhutan highlights the commitment to enhancing digital connectivity between the two countries.