India & Bhutan plan to set up first Integrated Check Post along border near Jaigaon
Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck have held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 5th April.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation to further strengthen their ties.
Key facts:
- India has announced its support for the upcoming 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan.
- India will also work to extend an additional standby credit facility for export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan and shape a long-term sustainable arrangement.
- Both countries are considering setting up the first Integrated Check Post on the Indo-Bhutan border. This post will be established near Jaigaon.
- India and Bhutan will also expedite the proposed Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link project through the support of the Government of India in consultation with the Bhutanese side. This will be the first rail link between India and Bhutan.
- Chukha Hydroelectric Project, Panatsangchu Hydroelectric Project and Kholongchu Hydroelectric Project are examples of bilateral energy cooperation.
Worrying issues in relationships –
- Recently, Bhutan’s Prime Minister surprised everyone by saying that India, Bhutan and China would hold talks on the Doklam tri-junction as equals.
- It was estimated from the statement of the Prime Minister of Bhutan that Bhutan is increasing its proximity to China.
- Another point of concern is the hydroelectric project in Bhutan, which Bhutan considers a major resource. However, many projects initiated by India are not being completed on time, leading to cost overruns. Due to this cooperation in this field is not progressing.
Source – Economics Times
