Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm reception at Paro International Airport in Bhutan as he landed for an official state visit, showcasing the strong and friendly relations between Bhutan and India. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tongay warmly embraced PM Modi upon his arrival, symbolizing the close ties between the two nations.
At the airport, PM Modi was accorded a grand guard of honour by the Bhutanese armed forces, underscoring the significance of his visit. Elaborate preparations were made ahead of his arrival, with PM Modi’s posters displayed alongside his Bhutanese counterpart, adorned with flowers and Rangoli artwork to welcome the esteemed guest.
#WATCH | Thimphu, Bhutan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed at a private hotel with a traditional Bhutanese dance performance. pic.twitter.com/adpUcI1VtJ
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
Security measures were heightened to ensure a safe and smooth arrival for PM Modi, who is scheduled to pay a state visit to Bhutan from March 22 to March 23. This visit follows preparations that were initially delayed due to inclement weather, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs earlier in the week.
India and Bhutan share a long-standing bilateral relationship based on mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding. Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1968, with key agreements such as the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, initially signed in 1949 and renewed in February 2007, serving as pillars of this relationship.
High-level exchanges, including visits by King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India and PM Modi’s previous visit to Bhutan in August 2019, have strengthened economic cooperation and connectivity between the two nations. The recent official visit of Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to India further reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations in various domains, including development cooperation and economic ties.
PM Modi’s current visit is expected to further enhance the India-Bhutan bilateral partnership across multiple sectors, reflecting the enduring friendship and collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
