Bhutan delegation meets Assam CM to boost ties, collaboration on Gelephu Mindfulness City Project

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 10, 2025

An eleven-member delegation from Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Project that is on a visit to Assam and Meghalaya, on Tuesday met Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the latter’s office at Lok Sewa Bhawan here Tuesday.

The delegation included members of the Core Working Group of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project and officials from the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General. The meeting marked a warm and cordial exchange of ideas, reaffirming the ties between Assam and the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Welcoming the delegates, Sarma extended his heartfelt appreciation for their visit and underscored the significance of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project in promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development. He stated that the Government of Assam, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands committed to supporting this project. He assured the delegation of cooperation and collaboration from the state administration in working closely with both the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Core Working Group.

The Chief Minister noted that the project would serve as an important platform to deepen institutional collaboration as well as people-to-people ties between Assam and Bhutan. He also highlighted the project’s potential benefits for the youth of both regions through opportunities in education, skill development, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and more.

Sarma encouraged the delegation to visit key institutions in Assam, such as institutions of higher education and medical facilities, to explore further areas of synergy and cooperation. He also invited them to make use of various state-run facilities that may serve as models or partners in developing the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Recalling His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s previous visit to Assam, the Chief Minister expressed his desire to host the entire royal family in the future. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration, stating that during the next visit of the Core Working Group, a broader, multi-sectoral meeting would be organized. This gathering would bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to enrich the discussions and support a holistic approach to development and partnership, he added. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation to strengthening bilateral ties for achieving shared goals.

The Chief Minister was joined by Special Chief Secretary Syedain Abbasi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister K. K. Dwivedi, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University Nani Gopal Mahanta, and other senior officials from the line departments.

The Bhutanese delegation was led by Dasho Arun Kapur and included former Chief Justice of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Wangchuk, Member of the National Council of Bhutan and MP Dasho Tashi Wangyal, along with other members of the Core Working Group of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) project. Two officials from the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General – Consul General Jigme Thinlye Namgyal and Consul Phurpa Tshering – were also present.