Strategically located but landlocked, Bhutan is bordered by both India and China, with the latter regularly negotiating land concessions from the tiny kingdom. India has traditionally been a non-predatory support to the kingdom, with regular concessionary loans, electricity purchases, and a defence protection pact. India and Bhutan also share long-standing cultural ties, and at present, India has loaned Bhutan some sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha for a 10-day period during a special Peace Prayer.

Bhutan has always favoured its autonomy and unique ways, including its emphasis on the world-famous concept of Gross National Happiness.

In this current two-day visit, not postponed despite a terror attack in New Delhi’s Red Fort area by JeM and ADuG-inspired operatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and King Jigme Khesar Wangchuk, the fifth Druk Gyalpo, jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project. The occasion also marked the King’s 70th birthday.

The project’s inauguration was hailed as a milestone in the vibrant and growing, mutually beneficial partnership between India and Bhutan. India also announced a new concessional line of credit of ₹4,000 crore for Bhutan to fund other energy projects.

Bhutan currently produces all its electricity from renewable energy and has a negative carbon footprint. This latest hydroelectric project will increase electricity production from hydro sources by 40%. India will also assist........

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