PM Modi Meets Bhutan PM Tobgay At BIMSTEC Summit; Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties & Regional Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay on Friday during the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, emphasizing the growing collaboration between the two nations.

Calling the relationship with Bhutan ‘robust’, PM Modi stated that India and Bhutan are working closely across various sectors.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Had a great conversation with my good friend, PM Tobgay. India’s friendship with Bhutan is robust. We are cooperating extensively in several sectors.”

Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, referred to PM Modi as an ‘elder brother’. He said their discussion focused on strengthening ties between the two countries. They also discussed enhancing regional cooperation under BIMSTEC.

“Always a pleasure to meet my elder brother and mentor PM @narendramodi ji. Discussed BIMSTEC, enhancing regional cooperation, and furthering Bhutan – India friendship,” PM Tshering Tobgay posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid out a sweeping 21-point action plan at the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. The plan outlined a bold roadmap to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors among member nations.

Positioning India as a driving force behind BIMSTEC’s renewed momentum, PM Modi’s proposals aligned with India’s core foreign policy frameworks such as ‘Neighbourhood First’, ‘Act East’, and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “BIMSTEC is an important forum to further global good. It is imperative we strengthen it and deepen our engagement. In this context, I proposed a 21-point Action Plan covering different aspects of our cooperation.”

Among the key economic proposals were:

• The creation of a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce,
• The institution of an annual Business Summit, and
• A feasibility review for local currency trade

“It’s time to boost business across BIMSTEC nations!” the Prime Minister added in his post.

Highlighting digital transformation as a priority, PM Modi suggested leveraging India’s technological expertise to support other BIMSTEC nations.

This includes exploring the integration of India’s UPI with regional payment systems and conducting a pilot study on sharing India’s Digital Public Infrastructure experience.

Turning to disaster preparedness in the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, PM Modi announced a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management in India.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that India will host the fourth joint disaster management exercise later in 2025.

To strengthen space and security cooperation, the Prime Minister proposed India host the first Home Ministers’ meeting, support satellite development and training, and offer remote sensing data for regional planning.

In the field of capacity building, PM Modi noted, “BIMSTEC has the potential to be a shining example of capacity building frameworks. We will all learn from each other and grow!”

The Prime Minister unveiled the BODHI (BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure) initiative. It aims to train 300 youths from BIMSTEC countries in India each year.

PM Modi also announced scholarships for students at the Forest Research Institute and Nalanda University. The Prime Minister also announced training programs for young diplomats and cancer care professionals.

Energy security and youth engagement also featured prominently.

“We will collectively energise BIMSTEC and it’s our youth who will take the lead,” the Prime Minister added.

The BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru has, however, begun operations and will train young professionals.

PM Modi called for speeding up the regional electric grid interconnection work and announced new youth-centered initiatives like a Young Leaders’ Summit, a hackathon, and the inaugural BIMSTEC Games in 2027.

On cultural cooperation and transport connectivity, Prime Minister Modi noted, “Few things connect like culture! May cultural linkages bring BIMSTEC even closer.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is, however, bringing renewed momentum to BIMSTEC, with India playing a pivotal role in shaping the group’s direction.

The bloc draws strength from India’s proactive engagement and strategic initiatives.

Through key frameworks such as the Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, MAHASAGAR vision, and India’s Indo-Pacific vision, the Prime Minister is fostering greater synergy within the group.

These converging policy approaches are enhancing regional cooperation and delivering tangible benefits to BIMSTEC member nations.

Also Read: PM Modi Unveils 21-Point Action Plan To Boost BIMSTEC Cooperation At Bangkok Summit