New Delhi, Dec 5 (UNI) Visiting Bhutanese King Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Thursday shared with Prime Minister Modi the progress in implementation of his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, an economic and spiritual hub to be located near the India-Bhutan border.
During his meeting with PM Modi, the Bhutanese King said that India and Bhutan can work together on the project for the betterment of the two peoples and the region.
Prime Minister reassured His Majesty of India’s continued support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which will bring prosperity and well-being in Bhutan and also the border areas, and further strengthen economic and investment linkages between the two countries, a joint statement issued on the visit said.
The Bhutanese King launched the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) last month, and the Bhutanese government has initiated fundraising to support its development.
The "mindfulness city" would cover about 2.5% of its land, which is larger than the size of Singapore. GMC will function as a special administrative zone offering a range of incentives aimed at attracting international investment and providing jobs to Bhutan’s predominantly Buddhist population of nearly 800,000. The city will cover more than 2,500 sq km and include sectors in finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and eco-tourism, among others. In line with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness principles, GMC will promote sustainability, mindfulness, and community well-being, integrating green spaces for meditation, mindfulness-based education, healthcare and wellness centers, and eco-friendly transportation options, including walking and cycling.
The plan includes green technology, education, and infrastructure initiatives such as an international airport, railways, a hydroelectric dam, and public spaces.
The King and Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction at the “excellent state of bilateral relations” and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen these exemplary relations, the joint statement said.
The Bhutanese King, who is on a two-day official visit, conveyed appreciation for the invaluable support that the Government of India provides for Bhutan’s socio-economic development, during his talks with PM Modi here.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s abiding commitment to its enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation with Bhutan and reiterated continued and full support to the socio-economic development in Bhutan based on the priorities of the Royal Government and as per the vision of the King.
The Bhutanese side thanked GoI for stepping up the development support for Bhutan under the 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29) and India’s support for RGoB’s Economic Stimulus Programme.
During the talks, the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Modi held discussions covering the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by mutual understanding, trust and exceptional cooperation at all levels. The bilateral discussions were held in a spirit of profound friendship, and reflected the strong historical ties, goodwill and understanding that
exist between the two countries.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made since their last meeting in March 2024 and welcomed the regular high-level visits and consultations covering diverse sectors of cooperation. They positively assessed the expanding partnership between the two countries, including in areas of trade and economic connectivity, infrastructure, energy, skill development, education, health, cultural heritage, capacity building, sports, youth exchanges, digital economy, e-
mobility, space technology, environment conservation, and people-to-people contacts.
The leaders reviewed recent progress in strategic partnerships in the energy sector, including non-hydro renewable energy between Indian and Bhutanese entities through access to Indian financing and energy markets.
They expressed satisfaction that the 1020 MW Punatshangchhu-II hydro power project was nearing completion, and looked forward to its commissioning in the near future. The leaders agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Punatsangchhu-I hydro power project. The two sides reiterated the importance of cooperation in the hydropower sector, and their commitment to advancing it, including through finalising modalities urgently for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the opening of the Integrated Check Post at Darranga, Assam, which can boost tourism and economic activity in eastern Bhutan and the adjoining border areas of Assam.
They also noted with satisfaction that several initiatives agreed upon during earlier meetings, such as cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects, are progressing steadily, including establishment of two cross border rail links and boosting digital connectivity. Both sides noted the recent decisions taken for further improving bilateral trade and commerce, the statement said.
UNI RN