By Kashmir News Corner 
New Delhi, Sep 29 (KNC): India and Bhutan strengthened bilateral ties on Monday as Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri held talks with Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary Aum Pema Choden, culminating in the signing of an Inter-Governmental MoU to establish the first cross-border railway links between the two nations.
In a statement issued by MEA, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri held consultations on Monday with Foreign Secretary of Bhutan Aum Pema Choden.
Statement further reads that, the Foreign Secretaries reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral engagements and noted the progress achieved in all key areas of cooperation. Specifically, they welcomed the successful commissioning of all six units of 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-Il hydropower project which is a major milestone in the realization of India-Bhutan Joint Vision on Energy Partnership.
They also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing development cooperation projects and initiatives being undertaken with Government of India support under Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan, which were progressing well and bringing tangible benefits to the people of Bhutan, it reads.
During the visit, an Inter-Governmental MoU for the Establishment of Railway Links between India and Bhutan was signed. The MoU envisages establishment of first set of cross-border rail links, connecting Kokrajhar & Gelephu, and Banarhat & Samtse.
These projects are part of our broader efforts to enhance connectivity between the two countries and will strengthen economic and people-to-people linkages. (KNC)