PM Modi Reaches Bhutan for a Two Day State Visit
Posted by admin on 2024-03-22 |
- The visit aligns with the longstanding tradition of of regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan and the Government's emphasis on its Neighbourhood First Policy, as stated in a release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.
- The Bhutanese prime minister wrote on X in Hindi: "Bhutan mein aapka swagat hai mere bade bhai @narendramodi Ji."
- PM Modi will be honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
PM Narendra
Modi on Friday morning arrived at the Paro Airport for a two-day state visit to
Bhutan. The prime minister was welcomed by his Bhutanese Tshering Tobgay at the
Paro Airport.
PM Modi was
scheduled to arrive on Thursday but had to postpone his visit due to bad
weather. Modi was scheduled to travel to Bhutan from March 21 to March 22 for
what was expected to be his last foreign visit before the upcoming Lok Sabha
election.
Importance of the Visit
The
ministry of external affairs had said that the trip is an opportunity for both
sides to exchange views on bilateral and regional matters and discuss ways to
expand and intensify their “exemplary partnership” for the benefit of the
people.
Despite the
convention of Prime Ministers refraining from bilateral visits after election
schedules are set, PM Modi's visit underscores India's commitment to Bhutan and
its broader "neighbourhood first" policy.
Recent Bilateral Relations
The prime
minister's Bhutan visit comes days after his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering
Tobgay visited India from March 14-18. India was the destination for Tobgay’s
first foreign visit after assuming office in January.
A joint
statement issued after Modi and Tobgay's meeting said that the premiers
acknowledged that the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan are
a source of strength for the region.
On his
part, Tobgay thanked the Indian government for its development aid of ?5,000
crore for Bhutan’s last five-year plan.
Scheduled Meetings and Honors
During the
visit, Prime Minister Modi will receive an audience with Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of
Bhutan. He will also hold talks with the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
PM Modi was
received with a warm reception including the Guard of Honour. During his stay,
PM Modi is also set to be honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the
Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
