Thimphu, Mar 22 :Prime Minister NarendraModi was warmly received by TsheringTobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, at Paro airport and accorded a overwhelming warmth and enthusiasm during his visit to Bhutan on Friday, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two nations. The Bhutanese populace turned out in full force, lining the entire 45-kilometer route from Paro International Airport to Thimphu, adorning both sides of the road with flags from India and Bhutan.
The visit, in line with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, reaffirms India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in significant meetings, including audiences with JigmeKhesarNamgyelWangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and JigmeSingyeWangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan. Talks were also held with Prime Minister TsheringTobgay, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors.
Prime Minister NarendraModi met TsheringTobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan in Thimphu over a working lunch hosted in his honour. Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tobgay for the exceptional public welcome accorded to him, with people greeting him all along the journey from Paro to Thimphu.
The two leaders held discussions on various aspects of the multi- faceted bilateral relations and forged an understanding to further enhance cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism. India and Bhutan enjoy long-standing and exceptional ties characterized by utmost trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels.
Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Bhutan witnessed exchange of several MoUs/Agreements on energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, youth connect among others.
“The MoUs and agreements will add momentum to India-Bhutan relations,” Modistated .
“To fulfil your goals, India stands with you for BB – Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe. I assure you that the upcoming 5 years will give a new energy to our relations. We will work to create avenues in the connectivity, infrastructure, trade and energy sectors,” Modi said
Further cementing the ties, Prime Minister Modi held constructive talks with Prime Minister Tobgay, focusing on bolstering cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environmental conservation, forestry, and tourism.
A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the GyaltsuenJetsunPema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, a modern facility built with Indian assistance, symbolising the deep-rooted collaboration between the two nations.
In a meeting with King JigmeKhesarNamgyelWangchuck, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the strong bond of friendship between India and Bhutan, lauding the visionary leadership of the DrukGyalpos in fostering this relationship.
Discussions between the leaders encompassed a wide array of areas for collaboration, including energy, development cooperation, youth engagement, education, entrepreneurship, and skill development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing connectivity and exploring investment opportunities, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
The visit culminated in the exchange of several MoUs and agreements on crucial areas such as energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and youth engagement, setting the stage for deeper bilateral partnership.
In a touching display of cultural affinity, young Bhutanese performers presented the traditional Gujarati Garba dance in honour of Prime Minister Modi, showcasing the rich cultural ties between India and Bhutan. This cultural exchange underscored the deep sense of respect and affection shared between the peoples of the two nations.
The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Bhutan underscores the unwavering commitment to nurturing the longstanding and exceptional bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan, rooted in mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding. With formal diplomatic ties established in 1968, and fortified by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949, the bond between the two nations continues to thrive through high-level engagements and collaborative initiatives.
PM Modi bestowed Bhutan’s highest civilian award
Prime Minister NarendraModi was honoured with the Order of the DrukGyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian decoration, by the King of Bhutan in a public ceremony at Tendrelthang, Thimphu. This prestigious award marks the first time a foreign leader has received such recognition.
The announcement of this honor was made by His Majesty the King of Bhutan during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations at Tashichhodzong, Thimphu in December 2021. The award acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s significant contribution to enhancing the friendship between India and Bhutan, as well as his people-centric leadership. The citation accompanying the award also highlights India’s emergence as a global power under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance and celebrates the special bond between Bhutan and India. It recognizes Prime Minister Modi’s transformative leadership, which has set India on a path of progress, and acknowledges the country’s increasing moral authority and global influence.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘Order of the DrukGyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians,” Modi posted on X soon after.
“The citation added that the award also honours India’s rise as a global power under his leadership, and celebrates Bhutan’s special bond with India. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has set India on the path of transformation, and that India’s moral authority and global influence have grown,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.
In 2020, Modi received the ‘Legion of Merit from the US Government’ award of the US Armed Forces and in 2019, Russia conferred its highest civilian honour ‘The order of St. Andrew’ award on Modi.
