Finance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded a fruitful two-day state visit to Bhutan during which he assured Thimphu of New Delhi’s firm support in its quest for development and agreed to provide Rs 10,000 crore to the Himalayan nation over the next five years.
Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay opened a state-of-the-art women’s and children’s hospital in Thimphu on Saturday morning. The hospital was constructed with Indian aid.
To bid Prime Minister Modi farewell, Prime Minister Tobgay and the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, made a special appearance at the Paro International Airport.
“I am honoured by the special gesture by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of coming to the airport as I leave for Delhi,” Modi posted on X.
I am honoured by the special gesture by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of coming to the airport as I leave for Delhi.
This has been a very special Bhutan visit. I had the opportunity to meet His Majesty the King, PM @tsheringtobgay and other… pic.twitter.com/OFJ4y2w0FJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024
“This has been a very special Bhutan visit. I had the opportunity to meet His Majesty the King, PM @tsheringtobgay and other distinguished people of Bhutan. Our talks will add even more vigour to the India-Bhutan friendship.
“I am also grateful to have been conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. “I am very thankful to the wonderful people of Bhutan for their warmth and hospitality. India will always be a reliable friend and partner for Bhutan,” he wrote on X.
“A big thank you to my brother, PM narendramodi Ji, for visiting us. Neither his busy schedule nor inclement weather could prevent him from fulfilling his promise to visit us. This must be the #ModiKaGuarantee phenomenon!” Bhutan Prime Minister Tobgay posted on X.
A big thank you to my brother, PM @narendramodi Ji, for visiting us. Neither his busy schedule nor inclement weather could prevent him from fulfilling his promise to visit us. This must be the #ModiKaGuarantee phenomenon! pic.twitter.com/mXkD5a4MUU
— Tshering Tobgay (@tsheringtobgay) March 23, 2024
On Friday, as part of the tour, Modi was given the “Order of the Druk Gyalpo,” becoming the first Head of Government from outside of India to do so.
The award honours Modi’s people-focused leadership and his efforts to fortifying the bond between India and Bhutan.
Speaking about the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) of the Bhutanese government, Prime Minister Modi declared, “Our full support and cooperation will be there.”
“In the next five years, the government of India will provide support of Rs 10,000 crore in this direction,” he said.
Modi called on the King of Bhutan, Wangchuck, and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay.
“In Bhutan, held productive talks with PM @tsheringtobgay. We reviewed the complete range of India-Bhutan friendship, and agreed to boost our developmental partnership as well as deepen cultural linkages,” he wrote regarding his meeting with his Bhutanese counterpart.
This was Modi’s second meeting with his counterpart from Bhutan this month.
Last week, Tobgay traveled to New Delhi, his first overseas trip since taking over the top job in January.
The two nations finalized the Memorandum of Understanding on building rail connections between them and exchanged other memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the areas of energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, and agriculture.
The two prime ministers agreed that the region and both partners benefit from the exceptional partnership between India and Bhutan. In a joint statement released here, the two sides reiterated their commitment to deepening their already remarkable and long-standing bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Modi communicated that the goals of the people and the Royal Government of Bhutan, as well as India’s continued commitment to working together, are paramount in Bhutan’s efforts to become a high-income country.
PM Modi also received an audience with the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The Prime Minister was greeted warmly by the Fourth King of Bhutan and complimented for his vision, leadership, and contributions to the improvement of India-Bhutan relations.
Source:IE
