India to establish immigration check post in Assam, announces PM Modi during Bhutan visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced on Wednesday that a new immigration check post will be set up at Hatisar in Assam. In a joint statement, both countries said the facility will support the movement of investors and travelers to Bhutan’s planned Gelephu Mindfulness City.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Bhutan at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and is expected to return on Wednesday evening.

During the visit, India and Bhutan agreed to strengthen border and transport connectivity. The two sides welcomed the commissioning of the immigration check post at Darranga in 2024 and the inauguration of the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park at Jogigopha scheduled for March 2025.

They also highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2025 to develop cross-border rail links between Gelephu–Kokrajhar and Samtse–Banarhat, along with the creation of a joint project steering committee to oversee implementation — further bolstering bilateral ties.

Hydropower cooperation expands

On Tuesday (November 11), PM Modi and King Wangchuck jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Thimphu. The plant, which will export electricity to India, represents another major step in the countries’ enduring energy partnership. The leaders also agreed to resume work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project and expedite its completion.

India announced a concessional line of credit worth Rs 40 billion to support Bhutan’s energy initiatives. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership signed in March 2024.

Other agreements

India and Bhutan signed three new MoUs focused on renewable energy, healthcare and medical cooperation, and institutional collaboration between Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat and India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.

Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan and its Economic Stimulus Programme. The visit also included discussions on cooperation in fintech, space technology, and STEM education.

The Bhutanese government expressed its gratitude to India for ensuring a steady supply of essential goods and fertilizers, and for dispatching the first shipment under a new bilateral arrangement.

Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and deepen collaboration across key areas.