On Friday, Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit a foreign country in 15 years, after the dates for general elections were announced. On his third trip to Bhutan since he took charge nearly a decade ago, Modi was received by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay at Paro and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Later, he was conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, by the Bhutanese king. This is the first time a foreign dignitary has got the coveted award.
A very memorable welcome in Bhutan! Throughout the way, there were several people who had gathered. I cherish their affection greatly. pic.twitter.com/0BQVVsxmFf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2024
“I accept this award with utmost humility and thank the government and people of Bhutan. It’s not my personal achievement but an honour for India and 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi said at the award ceremony. His visit to Bhutan was put off by a day due to bad weather. The weather did pose a challenge but it couldn’t be a barrier to India-Bhutan friendship, which is unbreakable, he said to a thunderous applause from the crowd.
His trip comes in the same week his Bhutanese counterpart wrapped up his visit to Delhi. Modi held talks with Tobgay, the Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the fourth king of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Bhutan wants India’s assistance for the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special economic zone along its southern border with India, a project that was announced by the King late last year. Plans for Gelephu include an international airport and rail and road links with India. PM Modi didn’t disappoint. “We are glad that India has got a chance to cooperate with Bhutan on a visionary project like Gelephu, which is an inspiration for the whole world,” said PM Modi.
The outcome of India’s general election will be known on June 4 but Modi assured that “in the next five years, we will take India-Bhutan bilateral cooperation to new heights. Infrastructure, connectivity and trade and energy projects, be it new airports or rail links, these will be expeditiously taken up”. He also announced that in the next five years, India will give ₹10,000 crore assistance for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan. That’s double of what Nepal got from India for its 12th Five Year Plan.
