Blurb: His visit highlights cultural ties and strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.
Thimpu
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar offered prayers at the historic Simtokha Dzong in Bhutan during his official visit, highlighting the deep cultural, spiritual, and diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan.
The visit forms part of his broader engagements in the Himalayan nation aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and particularly hydropower development, which remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Officials said the trip underscores the continuity of high-level exchanges between the two neighbours.
Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses, holds significant historical and religious importance and is regarded as a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Khattar’s visit to the site reflected the shared cultural respect and civilisational links between the two countries.
During the visit, discussions also focused on ongoing and future collaboration in the energy sector, including hydropower projects and cross-border electricity trade. These initiatives are seen as critical to Bhutan’s economy and India’s clean energy transition goals.
India and Bhutan share a close developmental partnership, with hydropower cooperation forming a key pillar of their economic engagement. India has been a major partner in supporting Bhutan’s energy infrastructure development, contributing to both generation capacity and grid connectivity.
The visit also included interactions with Bhutanese officials to review progress on existing projects and explore new opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development.
Officials noted that such engagements reinforce strategic trust and regional stability while promoting sustainable growth. The partnership is also aligned with broader regional goals of clean energy transition and climate-friendly development.
The visit concluded with emphasis on continued cooperation, reflecting the enduring friendship and mutual support between India and Bhutan across multiple sectors.