Indian PM Narendra Modi's Bilateral Meeting With Bhutanese PM For The Pursuit Of Bolstering Bilateral Ties Between India And Bhutan

Hello, Everyone!

India is heading high in global governance strategically consolidating ties, inking agreements, and planning courses of action for those agreements beneficial for the Indian diaspora and other countries' populace.

With a vision of One Earth · One Family · One Future or Vasudhaiv Kutumbhkam India's steadfast multilateral advancement is a testament to the country's unprecedented and unwavering commitment to being the best with taking all countries together on a global platform. Ensuring this here we have yet another bilateral meeting of India and Bhutan.

India's Prime Minister Modi had an official visit to Bhutan on 22 March 2024. He received a ceremonial welcome by people from Paro to Thimpu.

Both leading dignitaries negotiated on versatile aspects of bilateral relations and developed a mutual understanding for extending collaboration in multiple arenas, for instance, renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism.

PM Modi's Bilateral Meeting with Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay rendered 7 MoUs for bolstering bilateral ties spanning energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and youth connect. The high-level dialogues were held at the lunch convened by the Bhutanese Prime Minister.

PM Modi's Bilateral Meeting with Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay rendered 7 MoUs for bolstering bilateral ties spanning energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and youth connect.

So let's have an overview of the Mou's or agreements exchanged between India and Bhutan.

1. MoU on general supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL), and related products from India to Bhutan: This MoU details a list of items related to petroleum, oil, and lubricants that would be delivered to Bhutan via designated entry or exit points as per the agreement.

2. Agreement for recognition of official control exercised by Bhutan Food And Drug Authority (BFDA) by Food Safety and Standards Authority Of India (FSSAI): To foster trade ties between India and Bhutan this agreement plays a pivotal role by promoting business efficiency and reducing regulatory expenses from India and Bhutan's end. The agreement supports the export inspection certificate issued by the Bhutan Food and Drug Administration(BFDA) does get accepted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This implies the food products exported by Bhutan to India adhere to the requirements set by FSSAI easing the export process by reducing the regulatory hurdles.

3. MoU on cooperation in the field of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation measures: This MoU helps Bhutan conserve energy in the household sector through a five-star labeling system created by Govt.Of India's agency BEA-Beaureau of Energy Efficiency. A five-star labeling system gives a clear idea regarding the energy efficiency of appliances. Appliances with higher star ratings consume less energy i.e. consume less fuel or electricity to operate than those with lower star ratings. This will ensure people buy energy-efficient products as less consumption of fuel or energy leads to lesser strain on energy resources and also leads to lower utility bills. The Mou promotes the inclusion of backing code development as per India's expertise and creating a skilled energy workforce in Bhutan by forging energy auditors training. The initiative envisions to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures in Bhutan.

4. MoU on cooperation in Sports and Youth: This MoU promotes people-to-people ties between India and Bhutan by increasing cooperation between sports agencies from both countries sides by conducting sports events and programs.

5. MoU on cooperation concerning sharing reference standard, pharmacopeia, vigilance, and testing of medicinal products: This MoU aims to encourage forging collaboration and mutual exchange of information in the realm of medicine regulation in line with regulation laws from both sides. The MoU facilitates the acceptance of Indian directions for the identification of compound medicines outlined in Indian Pharmacopoeia and to provide general medicines at an affordable price.

6. Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) on Space Cooperation: The joint initiative renders a pathway for extending cooperation in space exploration by conducting space programs and training schemes.

7. Renewal of MoU on Peering Arrangement between National Knowledge Network of India (NKN) and Druk Research And Education Network of Bhutan: This MoU between National Knowledge Network (NKN) of India and Druk Research And Education Network (Druk REN)facilitates reconsideration of sending data through direct connection of Internet service providers which of both countries-we call a peering arrangement; rather than sending data through other networks; thus ensuring fast and efficient transmission of data. This MoU ensures ease of communication, sharing of information, and online access by accessing digital technologies for all individuals, organizations, and communities.

Besides these 7 MoUs; an MoU for the Establishment of Rail Links Between India And Bhutan was also Inked: The MoU encourages the formulation of dual rail links suggested between India and Bhutan i.e Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse rail links and the approach to materialize the rail links which entails the adequate steps, approaches, and strategies required to execute as per the agreement.

Thank You.

References:

https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/37731/List_of_Outcomes__State_visit_of_Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_to_Bhutan

https://inshorts.com/en/news/india-bhutan-finalise-mou-to-set-up-rail-links-ink-other-pacts-1711113591397