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NATION MARCH 29, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS

With an eye on China, Modi bats for shared

culture and heritage during Bhutan visit

Modi assures the Himalayan country of support at every step to make

both BB i.e. “Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe” successful.

OUR BUREAU
Thimphu (Bhutan)
ing of Bhutan conferred on
Friday Prime Minister Nar-
Kendra Modi the Order of the
Druk Gyalpo, the highest honor of
the Himalayan country. As per rank-
ing and precedence established, the
Order of the Druk Gyalpo was insti-
tuted as the decoration for lifetime
achievement and is the pinnacle of
the honor system in Bhutan, taking
precedence over all orders, decora-
tions and medals.
Earlier PM Modi, who is on
a two-day state visit had called on
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck at the Tashichho Dzong
Palace in Thimphu.
He also attended a cultural pro-
gramme at the Tendrelthang Festival
Ground in the presence of Bhutan Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets after he was conferred with the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’
King. by King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in Thimphu on Friday (ANI)
Earlier, PM Modi received a
rousing welcome from the people
who turned out in large numbers to The members of the Indian ago when I came to this Land of the PM Modi also held a meeting
accord a warm reception in Bhutan. community on meeting PM Modi ex- Thunder Dragon.” with his Bhutanese counterpart,
In an unprecedented welcome for pressed their happiness and said that Affirming India’s support for Tshering Tobgay and reviewed bi-
PM Modi in Bhutan, people lined up they felt honored to meet PM Modi. Bhutan, he said, “The aspirations and lateral ties. The two leaders reaf-
the streets across the entire stretch of India and Bhutan share a unique goals of the youth of India and Bhu- firmed their commitment to further
45 kilometers from Paro to Thimphu. and exemplary bilateral relationship tan are similar. India has set a target strengthen the multifaceted partner-
Hundreds of locals awaited Prime founded on mutual trust, goodwill, of becoming a developed country by ship between India and Bhutan.
Minister Modi’s arrival at the palace. and understanding. 2047, while Bhutan has set a target PM Modi and Tobgay held discus-
After he arrived at the Tashich- Modi who is on a State visit to of becoming a high-income country sions on various aspects of the multi-
ho Dzong Palace earlier today, PM Bhutan on Friday said that the aspira- by 2034. To fulfill your goal, India faceted bilateral relations and forged
Modi received a ceremonial welcome tions and goals of the youth of India is standing with you at every step to an understanding to further enhance
there. PM Modi also received a spe- and Bhutan are similar and assured make both BB i.e. Brand Bhutan and cooperation in sectors such as re-
cial welcome at his Hotel in Thimphu the Himalayan country of support at Bhutan Believe successful.” newable energy, agriculture, youth
as youngsters from Bhutan gave a every step to make both BB i.e. Brand He stated that India and Bhu- exchange, environment and forestry,
cultural performance of Garba on the Bhutan and Bhutan Believe success- tan are parts of shared heritage and and tourism, according to the Minis-
song written by PM Modi. Making ful.” highlighted the Buddha connection try of External Affairs press release.
the Gujarati folk dance more grace- In his address at Tashichho Dz- between the two nations. PM Modi Formal diplomatic ties between
ful, youngsters wore Gujarat’s tradi- ong Palace here, PM Modi recalled said, “India and Bhutan are parts of the two countries were established in
tional attire, Ghagra-choli and Kurta his first visit to Bhutan as the Prime a shared heritage. India is the birth- 1968, with the cornerstone being the
Paijama. Minister of India in 2014. “The rela- place of Lord Buddha. It is the place Treaty of Friendship and Coopera-
The performance was staged after tions of Bhutan and India are as an- where Lord Buddha attained Nir- tion signed in 1949 and subsequently
PM Modi interacted with the mem- cient as they are new. After becoming vana. Whereas, Bhutan is the place renewed in February 2007.
bers of the Indian diaspora and the the Prime Minister of India in 2014, which embraced and conserved the Over the years, high-level ex-
local people of Bhutan who gathered Bhutan was the first foreign coun- teachings of Lord Buddha. It has kept changes have played a pivotal role in
to welcome him outside the Hotel in try I visited. I remember the warm alive the tradition of Vajrayana Bud- nurturing the strong bond between
Bhutan’s national capital, Thimphu. welcome I had received 10 years dhism.” India and Bhutan.

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