Bhutanese King Visits Assam’s Key Connectivity Hubs, Reinforces India-Bhutan Ties under ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy

By  News On Air   Apr 20, 2025

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited Assam to view the facilities at the Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) and the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Jogighopa. Ministry of External Affairs has said the IWT and the MMLP are two major connectivity projects focused on boosting trade and enhancing regional development.

According to the MEA, as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Centre has been pursuing several connectivity initiatives for boosting people-to-people ties and facilitating trade and economic cooperation with Bhutan. It said, the IWT at Jogighopa, which was inaugurated in February this year, is an important infrastructure project for economic development and enhancing connectivity in the region.

Upon his arrival in Assam yesterday, the King was received by the Assam Minister for Public Health Engineering and Housing and Urban Affairs, Jayanta Mallabaruah. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X and extended a warm welcome to the Bhutanese King.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with Bhutan in various sectors during his meeting with the Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.