Connectivity key to better ties: PM

{ MODI ON 2-DAY VISIT TO BHUTAN

- Rezaul H Laskar

India and Bhutan on Tuesday jointly inaugurated a 1,020-MW hydropower project built with Indian assistance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two sides will bolster connectivity and border infrastructure to build on work already done through an energy partnership to ramp up the Himalayan country’s hydropower capabilities.

Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck inaugurated the PunatsangchhuIl project, one of five mega hydropower projects developed by India in Bhutan, following their talks on bilateral relations. This project, which enhances Bhutan’s power generation capacity by 40%, will supply electricity to both countries.

“Energy cooperation remains a key pillar of the India-Bhutan partnership,” Modi said on social media, describing the Punatsangchhu-II project as an “enduring symbol of friendship”.