Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport on Friday morning, where he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and was honored with a Guard of Honour. His visit marks a two-day State visit to Bhutan, with plans to return to India on Saturday. Originally scheduled for Thursday, his departure was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
India-Bhutan Relations
- The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the enduring ties between India and Bhutan, characterized by mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill. PM Modi’s visit serves as an invaluable opportunity for both countries to discuss bilateral and regional concerns, as well as to explore avenues for enhancing and deepening their partnership for the betterment of their citizens.
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Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968, anchored by the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 and subsequently renewed in February 2007.
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PM Modi’s 2019 visit to Bhutan witnessed the launch of several bilateral projects, further cementing the ties between the two nations.
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Additionally, King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has undertaken numerous visits to India, with his most recent one occurring in November 2023.
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Between March 14 and 18, Prime Minister Togbay visited India. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi pledged increased support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, including considering a request for an economic stimulus program. This aid will focus on infrastructure development and improving connectivity between the two nations.
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India had previously provided assistance totaling Rs 5,000 crore for Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan.
Highlights of PM Modi's Visit to Bhutan
1. Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Two-Day State Visit
In a recent update shared on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi posted a snapshot of his departure to Bhutan with the caption: "On my way to Bhutan, where I am scheduled to participate in various programs aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and Bhutan. I eagerly anticipate discussions with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay."
2. Prime Minister Modi Receives Guard of Honour
Arriving in Paro, Bhutan on Friday, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome and was greeted with a Guard of Honour. He was conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, during his trip to the Himalayan nation.
3. Bhutan's PM Tshering Tobgay's Visit to India
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay undertook a visit to India from March 14th to 18th. This visit marked Tobgay’s first official foreign visit after taking office in January.
4. Exclusive Video Content Available
#WATCH | Thimphu | People of Bhutan extend a warm welcome to PM Modi on his arrival in their country on a two-day State visit pic.twitter.com/O7WZc8xnYM— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
5. Warm Reception from Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a hotel in Bhutan, where they greeted him enthusiastically, waving the Indian national flag.
#WATCH | Thimphu | People of Bhutan extend a warm welcome to PM Modi on his arrival in their country on a two-day State visit pic.twitter.com/O7WZc8xnYM— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
6. Heartwarming Interaction with Children
Witness a heartwarming interaction between Prime Minister Modi and children in Thimphu, Bhutan.
#WATCH | PM Modi shares adorable moment with children on his arrival in Bhutan's Thimphu pic.twitter.com/lm6IFtXwK3— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
7. Signing of MoUs between India and Bhutan
On Friday, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Bhutan as part of PM Modi's visit.
8. Bhutan's PM Tshering Tobgay Welcomes PM Modi
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi.
9. Bhutanese Youth Perform Garba Song Composed by PM Modi
A group of Bhutanese youngsters donned traditional Indian attire, performed a Garba song composed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to welcome him during his visit to Bhutan.
भूटान में आपका स्वागत है, मेरे बड़े भाई। @narendramodi Ji pic.twitter.com/Kjc87llncg— Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) March 22, 2024
10. Inauguration of Hospital in Thimphu
PM Modi is set to inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu, a state-of-the-art facility constructed with assistance from the Government of India, according to news agency PTI.
11. Attendance at Chhipdrel Procession
Prime Minister Modi participated in the Chhipdrel procession during his visit to Bhutan.
12. Meeting with Bhutanese King
Prime Minister Modi met with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Tashichho Dzong Palace in Thimphu.
13. Cultural Program Attendance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending a cultural event at the Tendrelthang Festival Ground in Bhutan, where King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is also present.
14. Dedication of Honor to Indian Citizens
Prime Minister Modi dedicated Bhutan's highest honor to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, acknowledging it as a collective achievement rather than a personal one.
15. Appreciation for Bhutan's Climate Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Bhutan's significant progress towards achieving carbon neutrality, considering it a beacon of hope in combating climate change.
16. Renewed Commitment to Bilateral Ties
PM Modi participated in various programs aimed at bolstering the bilateral partnership between India and Bhutan during his visit, emphasizing shared aspirations and promising increased cooperation in various sectors including connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and energy.
17. Gratitude Expressed by Bhutan's PM
Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accepting Bhutan's highest civilian honor and for his visit despite adverse weather conditions. Tobgay praised Modi's dedication and expressed immense delight at his presence to receive the award.
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