India’s EAM S Jaishankar meets Bhutan’s King and PM, reinforcing bilateral ties and cooperation in sustainable transport, reports Asian Lite News Desk.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu during his official visit to the Himalayan nation, highlighting the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan.
Jaishankar said he was honoured to receive an audience with the Bhutanese King and valued his guidance on further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
The meeting came as Jaishankar continued his engagements in Bhutan, where he also met Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and discussed India’s support for the country’s development and prosperity.
“Delighted to call on PM Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan in Thimphu today,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. He conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and said India remained committed to Bhutan’s progress and prosperity.
During the visit, Jaishankar also handed over 54 ‘Made in India’ electric vehicles to Tobgay, with India supporting Bhutan’s efforts to expand e-mobility and sustainable transport.
The handover was presented as part of India’s wider cooperation with Bhutan in areas linked to sustainable development and green mobility. India has been expanding its domestic electric vehicle manufacturing and policy support for electric mobility.
Earlier, Jaishankar and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck jointly lit an ‘Aashirvaad ka Diya’ at the iconic Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.
The event was attended by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister D N Dhungyel, members of the Indian community and friends of India from Bhutan.
Jaishankar said the ceremony marked a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service.
The External Affairs Minister’s visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding India-Bhutan cooperation across sectors including development, connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.
India and Bhutan have maintained close bilateral relations, with cooperation extending to hydropower and infrastructure as well as emerging areas such as digital technology and sustainable mobility.
The two countries have also continued discussions on strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation, reflecting Bhutan’s development priorities and India’s role as a development partner.
The 54 electric vehicles handed over during Jaishankar’s visit add a practical dimension to this cooperation, as Bhutan works to expand cleaner transport options.
Jaishankar’s meeting with the Bhutanese King also underlined the importance placed by New Delhi on maintaining high-level engagement with Thimphu.
In his remarks following the meeting, Jaishankar described the India-Bhutan relationship as a “unique friendship” and said he valued the King’s guidance in taking the ties forward.
The visit included meetings with senior Bhutanese leaders and community representatives, providing an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation and India’s support for Bhutan’s development goals.
India’s wider electric mobility programme has also expanded in recent years, with government initiatives aimed at increasing EV adoption, charging infrastructure and domestic manufacturing.
The Bhutan engagement therefore combined diplomatic discussions with a concrete initiative in sustainable transport, while reinforcing the broader relationship between the neighbouring countries.
Jaishankar’s visit is expected to further strengthen ongoing cooperation between India and Bhutan, with both sides continuing to focus on development, sustainability and close people-to-people ties.
