Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day state visit to Bhutan on Saturday morning, departing for New Delhi after a series of significant engagements aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations.
In a poignant display of camaraderie, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay personally saw off Prime Minister Modi at the airport, underscoring the warmth and depth of the relationship shared between India and Bhutan.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital alongside Prime Minister Tobgay, a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s healthcare infrastructure. Prime Minister Tobgay expressed gratitude for India’s full funding of the hospital’s construction, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in enhancing public health services.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Modi announced a substantial assistance package of 10,000 crores for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, reaffirming India’s steadfast support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development. Prime Minister Tobgay lauded this gesture, praising Prime Minister Modi as a “friend and elder brother” whose visit resonated deeply with the people of Bhutan.
Prime Minister Modi was honored with the prestigious ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo,’ Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, becoming the first foreign dignitary to receive this accolade. This recognition underscores the special bond shared between India and Bhutan, symbolizing the enduring friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
During bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Tobgay reviewed various aspects of energy cooperation, highlighting the significance of projects such as the Punatsangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II Hydro-electric Projects in enhancing energy security and fostering economic growth in both countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan, spanning from March 22-23, received an enthusiastic reception from the Bhutanese people, underscoring the close and enduring ties between India and Bhutan. As he departs, Prime Minister Modi leaves behind a legacy of strengthened partnership and collaboration, paving the way for a brighter future for both nations.
