During his State visit to Bhutan on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the shared aspirations and goals of the youth in India and Bhutan, expressing India's unwavering support for Bhutan's development endeavours. Addressing an audience at the Tashichho Dzong Palace, PM Modi highlighted the strong historical ties between the two nations.
"The relations of Bhutan and India are as ancient as they are new. After becoming the Prime Minister of India in 2014, Bhutan was the first foreign country I visited. I remember the warm welcome I had received 10 years ago when I came to this Land of the Thunder Dragon," said PM Modi.
Reflecting on his inaugural visit to Bhutan as India's Prime Minister in 2014, PM Modi remarked on the warm reception he received a decade ago during his initial trip to the "Land of the Thunder Dragon." He underscored the deep-rooted connection between India and Bhutan, both culturally and historically.
PM Modi spoke of India's commitment to standing beside Bhutan in achieving its objectives. He noted that while India aims to become a developed country by 2047, Bhutan aspires to attain high-income status by 2034. This mutual ambition, PM Modi stressed, signifies the collaborative efforts to ensure the success of "Brand Bhutan" and foster belief in Bhutan's capabilities.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the spiritual and cultural bond shared by India and Bhutan, citing the significance of Buddhism in their heritage. He praised Bhutan's role in preserving the teachings of Lord Buddha through Vajrayana Buddhism.
PM Modi's visit was marked by significant gestures of appreciation from Bhutan, including the conferral of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the highest honour of the Himalayan nation. Expressing gratitude for this recognition, PM Modi humbly accepted the award on behalf of all Indians, emphasising the honour’s symbolic importance in strengthening bilateral ties.
During his visit, PM Modi engaged in various diplomatic and cultural exchanges, including meetings with Bhutanese leaders and interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and local communities. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment, forestry, and tourism, signifying a comprehensive approach to bolstering India-Bhutan relations.
The warm reception and enthusiastic welcome extended to PM Modi during his visit underscored the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan, rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill.