Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck focusing on ways to bolster bilateral engagement in a range of areas including economic cooperation.

Notably, the Bhutan King began his two-day visit to India on Monday amid some concerns in New Delhi over China’s attempts to expand its influence over Thimphu.

Bhutan shares over 400 kilometers long border with China and the two countries have held over 24 rounds of boundary talks in a bid to resolve the dispute.

India and Bhutan agreed to strengthen their economic and developmental partnership, with India providing relevant financial support for Bhutan's 13th five-year plan and its reform projects. Trade, connectivity, and investment cooperation were also discussed, with a focus on infrastructure connectivity such as rail, air, and digital, as well as inland waterways and people-to-people connectivity.

Both countries also discussed long-term and sustainable trade facilitation measures, as well as new paradigms on energy cooperation, including enhancing existing hydro power and moving towards non-hydro renewable space.

The meeting also saw the two countries discussing cooperation in new sectors, including space, start-ups, and STEM education.

Additionally, India agreed to step up support for Bhutan's five-year plan, extend an additional stand-by credit facility, and shape long-term arrangements for the export of agricultural commodities from Bhutan. India also assured the supply of critical commodities to Bhutan.

The two countries also agreed to expedite the Kokrajhar-Gelephu rail link project, which would be the first-ever rail link between India and Bhutan.

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