India and Bhutan strengthened their cooperation on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India’s support for Bhutan’s Gelephu special administrative region project. During discussions with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi assured continued assistance for the initiative.
The “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” an economic hub envisioned by King Wangchuck near the Indian border, was a key focus of the talks. The leaders also discussed India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29) and the Economic Stimulus Programme.
In a joint statement, King Wangchuck shared updates on the progress of the Gelephu project and emphasized its potential for regional benefits. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment, saying the project “will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, sources indicated that Bhutan’s earlier government had nearly reached an understanding with China to resolve their unsettled border, a development that had raised concerns in New Delhi.
