Guwahati: Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay visited the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on Tuesday morning to seek blessings during a two-day visit to Assam, following high-level meetings with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Monday evening.
Focus on Bilateral Connectivity
Bhutan is focused on strengthening bilateral ties by improving cross-border rail and roadway connectivity between Assam and Bhutan. Sarma stated that Assam values its multifaceted partnership with Bhutan and, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, the state will further strengthen the bond.
"We reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening the close and enduring ties between Bhutan and Assam," Tobgay wrote on his X handle on Tuesday, adding it was an honor to meet the governor and the chief minister of Assam, a frontier state of Bhutan's friendly neighbor. Reacting to Tobgay’s post, Sarma wrote: "Thank you for your wonderful visit and the meaningful discussions, Hon'ble Prime Minister, H.E. @tsheringtobgay. Assam values its multifaceted partnership with Bhutan and under Adarniya @narendramodi Ji's guidance, we will further strengthen this bond in the coming days."
Meetings and Cultural Exchange
On Monday evening, Acharya and Sarma welcomed Tobgay at Lok Bhavan in Guwahati. A Lok Bhavan release said the meeting included detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in the larger interest of the northeast region, with particular focus on Assam. A cultural evening showcasing Assam’s cultural heritage and traditional hospitality was organized in honor of the visiting dignitary.
While welcoming Tobgay, Sarma said India and Bhutan share a special civilizational relationship and that, under Modi’s leadership, Assam is playing a pivotal role in strengthening ties that will shape South Asia’s growth in the 21st century.
Infrastructure Projects to Boost Trade and Tourism
Assam is expected to play a larger role as India renews focus on Indo-Bhutan ties. A proposed 69.04-km cross-border railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan is planned to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchanges, with an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore. The under-construction Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park in lower Assam is also expected to support regional trade and logistics and the development of the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City.
