Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning arrived at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and was accorded a Guard of Honour.
The prime minister is on a two-day visit and is scheduled to return to India on Saturday.
During his visit to the Himalayan nation, PM Modi is expected to be conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
His departure for Bhutan was initially planned for Thursday but got postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
In Bhutan, he will participate in various programs aimed at strengthening the partnership between both the countries. He stated, “On the way to Bhutan, where I will be attending various programmes aimed at further cementing the India-Bhutan partnership. I look forward to talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay,” PM Modi wrote on X.
A video released by the ANI news agency provided a glimpse of the preparations that took place at the Paro International Airport for PM Modi’s grand welcome.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the partnership between India and Bhutan is characterized by enduring ties based on “mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill.” PM Modi’s visit will offer a valuable opportunity for both nations to discuss bilateral and regional issues of interest, as well as explore avenues to enhance and deepen their partnership for the welfare of their citizens, the MEA stated.
Between March 14 and 18, Prime Minister Togbay also visited India. During the Bhutanese PM’s visit, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would enhance its support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan. This includes considering a request for an economic stimulus program, with development aid focusing on infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
India had provided aid amounting to Rs 5,000 crore for Bhutan’s 12th five-year plan.
India-Bhutan relations
Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968, with the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 serving as the cornerstone, later renewed in February 2007.
PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan in 2019 saw the launch of several bilateral projects, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations.
Additionally, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has made numerous visits to India. His most recent visit was in November 2023.