Jaishankar Meets Bhutan PM, Hands Over 54 Made-in-India EVs

Thimphu , Sept 18 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu on Thursday (Sept 17) and handed over 54 ‘Made in India’ electric vehicles to Bhutan as part of India’s support for the country’s e-mobility and sustainable transport goals.

 

During the meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings to Tobgay and reaffirmed India’s commitment to Bhutan’s progress and prosperity. Jaishankar said India values the two countries’ ties of friendship and cooperation.

 

The External Affairs Minister said the electric vehicles would support Bhutan’s move towards e-mobility and sustainable transportation.

 

During his Bhutan visit, Jaishankar also handed over 43 pureline Jersey cows from India at the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang. The cattle will be used for a dairy breeding programme aimed at improving milk productivity and supporting local farmers. According to Jaishankar, the programme is expected to benefit around 40,000 farmers.

 

 

 

Jaishankar and Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo D N Dhungyel also laid the foundation stone for the 500 KW Lunana Hydropower Project in Gasa. Jaishankar described it as an important milestone in the long-standing.

 

The two ministers also inaugurated the 65-bedded Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Mongar and the 80-metre-long Jaganathan Bridge in Samdrup Jongkhar. The bridge, constructed by Project Dantak, is expected to improve connectivity between Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar.

 

 

Jaishankar and Dhungyel reviewed bilateral cooperation in development partnership, energy, trade, connectivity, culture and people-to-people ties.

 

During the visit, Jaishankar also visited the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang and the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum in Bumthang.