Thimpu: While on a state visit to Bhutan on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the hopes and objectives of the youth in Bhutan and India are extremely similar. He also promised the Himalayan nation that Bhutan Believe and BB, or Brand Bhutan, will receive assistance at every turn to ensure their success.
During his speech at Tashichho Dzong Palace, Prime Minister Modi recalled his 2014 visit to Bhutan as India’s prime minister. According to Prime Minister Modi, Bhutan and India have long-standing diplomatic ties. In addition, he recalled the cordial reception he received while arriving in the Land of Thunder Dragon and mentioned that Bhutan was the first nation he visited after taking office. He also remarked that ties between India and Bhutan are as old as they are new.
- In reaffirming India’s backing for Bhutan, Modi noted that the ambitions and objectives of India’s youth are comparable. While Bhutan has set an objective of becoming a developed nation by 2034, India has set a target of becoming one by 2047.
- He went on to say that to achieve Bhutan’s objectives, India is supporting Bhutan at every turn to ensure the success of BB Brand Bhutan and Bhutan’s beliefs. He emphasized the relationship between Bhutan and India through Buddhism and said that the two countries share a common ancestry.
- PM Modi said India and Bhutan are part of a shared heritage. India is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. He added that it is the place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. Modi also said Bhutan is the place which embraced and conserved the teachings of Lord Buddha and has kept alive the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.
- He emphasised the connection of people between the two nations and said that 140 crore Indians know the people of Bhutan are their family members and the people of Bhutan also know that India is their family. The relations between the two countries are unbreakable, their friendship is unbreakable, and their ties and beliefs are unbreakable.
- PM Modi expressed his gratitude to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan for bestowing upon him the Druk Gyalpo order, the nation’s highest honour. Being the first foreign head of state to get that directive is him. He went on to tell the King that this was a significant day in his life as an Indian and that he was honoured to receive Bhutan’s highest national award. Even while each award is unique in and of itself, receiving one from another nation gives one more reason to believe that both are headed on the right path.
- PM Modi visited Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck earlier in the day at the Tashichho Dzong Palace in Thimpu. There, PM Modi was greeted ceremoniously. Additionally, he went to a cultural event at the Tendrelthang Festival Ground where the King of Bhutan was present. The people who came out in big numbers to give PM Modi a warm reception in Bhutan gave him a warm response.
- Additionally, PM Modi discussed bilateral relations with Tshering Tobgay, his counterpart from Bhutan. The two leaders restated their determination to fortify their nations’ relations. According to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks were also held to improve cooperation in areas like renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment forestry, and tourism.
