Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties: New Rail Links and Deepening Economic Integration
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India and its neighborhood - Bhutan, Neighbourhood First Policy, Act East Policy); Indian Economy (Infrastructure - Railways, Inland Waterways); Geography (Map locations - Kokrajhar, Gelephu, Banarhat).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): India and its neighborhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. India-Bhutan relations are a cornerstone of India's foreign policy.
Key Highlights from the News
The Central Government has approved the first-ever rail links between India and Bhutan. 🚂
Two Routes:
Kokrajhar (Assam) - Gelephu (Bhutan) (Kokrajhar-Gelephu).
Banarhat (West Bengal) - Samtse (Bhutan) (Banarhat-Samtse).
This project will provide a significant boost to Bhutan's economy and offer easier access to the global market through Indian ports.
These lines will be constructed to be suitable for India's modern Vande Bharat trains.
This is a significant step as part of India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
Besides railways, India also strongly cooperates with Bhutan in hydropower projects, Inland Waterways, and development assistance.
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