New Delhi is set to welcome a promising development for train passengers as the Indian Railways gears up to launch international train services between India and Bhutan. Highlighting the specifics, Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar revealed that this train service will connect the two neighboring nations, with its operations originating from Assam, India. The primary objective of this endeavor is to bolster tourism ties between India and Bhutan.

Dr S Jaishankar emphasized the ongoing advancements in this initiative, underscoring Bhutan's strong interest in expanding entry points for tourists. The External Affairs Minister commented, "We are in talks on the Rail link between Bhutan and Assam as Bhutan is very keen to open more points for tourists and it is very good for Assam."

Notably, once accomplished, this railway connection will stand as the inaugural link between India and Bhutan's rail networks. The completion of this railway is projected to materialize by 2026. In April of this year, Bhutan's Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji, conveyed that the Bhutanese government will initiate efforts toward this project before exploring the possibility of connecting additional regions, including Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrupjongkhar.

Earlier reports from Bhutan Live detailed that the survey for commencing the construction of the railway link between India and Bhutan was concluded in April 2023. This railway is set to link Bhutan's Gelephu with Kokrajhar in Assam, India.

Additionally, Dr S Jaishankar addressed the ongoing border negotiations between India and China, clarifying that they have not come to a halt. He highlighted the progress made on crucial tension points over the past three years. The Foreign Minister also mentioned the upcoming discussions on the border matter.

Border disputes between India and China have a longstanding history dating back to 1962, with the most recent significant clash occurring in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Both nations have engaged in multiple rounds of military-level talks to address these border-related concerns.

Furthermore, Dr S Jaishankar underscored India's efforts to enhance border infrastructure along the Northern frontier over the last nine years, specifically since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government assumed office in 2014.

Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing infrastructure development and the need for a tunnel in the region. He noted that while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is actively engaged in planning and construction, China has not signaled a return to the previous procedures.

In conclusion, Dr S Jaishankar disclosed that India is in discussions with Bhutan concerning railway connectivity with Assam. He also touched on the negotiations between Bhutan and China, emphasizing that these decisions are under Bhutan's purview.