Assam CM’s visit to Bhutan strengthens ties between Assam and Druk Yul

As Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma recently visited the neighboring country of Bhutan, also known as Druk Yul, the bond between the people of Northeast India and Bhutan appears to have deepened. Sarma, who embarked on an official visit from December 16 to 19, 2024, following an invitation from the Royal Government of Bhutan, engaged in discussions with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay on a range of bilateral issues. This visit marked a historic milestone, as Sarma became the first Chief Minister of Assam to receive such an invitation. During his stay, he also attended Bhutan’s 117th National Day celebrations in the capital city of Thimphu.

Accompanied by his spouse, Riniki Bhuyan, and senior officials, Sarma focused on strengthening trade, regional security, and mutual collaboration with Bhutan. The high-level delegation, upon arrival at Paro International Airport via a Drukair flight, was welcomed by Bhutanese Foreign Minister D.N. Dhungyel and Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela. Later, Sarma and Prime Minister Tobgay jointly attended a business event organized by the Assam government in Thimphu, which served as a prelude to Advantage Assam 2.0, an investment summit scheduled for February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati.

Assam aims to host the Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 to foster investments and partnerships across South Asia. The event is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sarma expressed gratitude to PM Tobgay for attending the previous edition of Advantage Assam and extended an invitation to grace the upcoming summit and a mega cultural event.

In a separate meeting with PM Tobgay and his wife, Tashi Doma, Sarma highlighted the historical trade connectivity between Assam and Bhutan through seven established routes. He emphasized Assam’s commitment to bolstering trade infrastructure along the Assam-Bhutan border and proposed the creation of additional trade routes to meet the needs of Bhutanese traders.

Sarma and his wife were also granted an audience with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema at the Golden Throne Room in Tashichhodzong. Discussions centered on enhancing cultural, historical, and economic ties. The dialogue emphasized collaboration in energy, tourism, healthcare, education, skill development, and water resource management.

During his visit, Sarma met India’s spiritual leader Sadhguru at India House in Thimphu, where PM Tobgay and other dignitaries were present. He also congratulated educationist Arun Kapur for receiving an honor during Bhutan’s National Day for his decades of exemplary service in public and private education. Sarma visited the Indian Embassy, Bhutan’s iconic Simtokha Dzong, and Kuenrey Hall, where he prayed before a majestic statue of Gautam Buddha.

Bhutan celebrates its National Day annually on December 17 to commemorate the coronation of its first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907. This event marked the beginning of the Wangchuck dynasty, which continues to rule Bhutan. The current king, Jigme Khesar, ascended the throne in 2008 when Bhutan transitioned into a constitutional monarchy and held its first general election.

The 117th National Day celebrations were held at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, attended by nearly 200 international guests, reaffirming Bhutan’s commitment to peace, prosperity, and happiness.

Bhutan, which prioritizes Gross National Happiness over Gross Domestic Product, shares a 699-kilometer border with India’s northeastern states, including Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. Assam accounts for the largest border stretch of 266 kilometers, with settlements on both sides. Historically, Assam and Bhutan maintained trade links when Assam was part of the ancient Kamrup region.

In recent years, immigration and trade connectivity have improved. An immigration check post was recently inaugurated at Darranga near Bhutan’s Samdrup-Jongkhar, facilitating cross-border tourism and trade, alongside existing points such as Phuentsholing and Paro.

Bhutan also shares ecological proximity with Assam, particularly through the Brahmaputra river basin. Surface water from Bhutan impacts Assam’s irrigation and drinking water needs and poses a flood risk during the rainy season. The Kurichhu River in southeastern Bhutan often causes flooding in Assam’s lower riparian areas. Sarma stressed the need for sustainable development initiatives to address the ecological fragility of the region while leveraging its rich resources.

(Contributed by: Nava Thakuria)

MT