 "PM Modi announces support of Rs 10 000 Cr to Bhutan, to back Himalayan kingdom in its quest for development")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Bhutan’s leadership of India’s unwavering support in its development endeavours during his two-day state visit to Bhutan to strengthen India’s ties with the Himalayan kingdom under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.
Highlighting the unique bilateral relationship between the two countries, Modi expressed India’s commitment to fostering greater cooperation across various sectors including connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and energy.
PM Modi announced New Delhi’s pledge to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 crore to Thimphu over the next five years, reaffirming India’s commitment to Bhutan’s progress and prosperity.
The two countries exchanged several MoUs and signed agreements in the fields of energy, trade, digital connectivity, space and agriculture, and finalised the MoU on the establishment of rail links between the two nations. Modi called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to provide Rs 10,000 crore to Bhutan for supporting its 13th five-year plan includes India’s support for its economic stimulus package.While addressing a special briefing on PM Modi’s State Visit to Bhutan, Kwatra noted that India has been the largest development partner of Bhutan since the inception of Bhutan’s next five year plan process. He recalled that India had given support of Rs 5000 crore for Bhutan’s 12th five year plan.
Kwatra said, “Another very significant outcome for India-Bhutan relationship from this ongoing state visit of Prime Minister was the announcement by Prime Minister that the government of India will be supporting the 13th five year plan of Bhutan to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore. This assistance for the 13th five year plan of 10,000 crores also includes India’s support for Bhutan’s economic stimulus package. As you are aware, India has been the largest development partner of Bhutan since the inception of Bhutan’s next five year plan process.”
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More ShortsKing Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth King of Bhutan, who presented him with the honour, and members of the royal family were also present on the occasion.
“We collaborate and celebrate each other’s successes.When India’s mission Chandrayaan was successful, the people of Bhutan were as happy as the people of India were,” Modi said.
“Your Majesty, you’re taking forward the rich culture of Bhutan with a modern vision. Your efforts are promoting ‘innovation’ along with ‘inner joy’ in Bhutan. Bhutan has given the world the concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’. I am confident that Bhutan’s ‘Mindfulness City’ will also become an inspiration for the world.”
Modi, speaking in Hindi, asserted that “Our ties are inseparable. Our friendship is inseparable. Our mutual cooperation is inseparable. And, the main thing is our faith is unwavering. And, that is why this day is very special for me.”
People from Bhutan dressed in their native wear and holding flags of both countries clapped intermittently as Modi addressed them. Ensconced between the mighty Himalayas and India, sharing its border on west, south and east, Bhutan and India share “a unique and enduring partnership which is rooted in mutual trust, understanding and goodwill.
Modi’s visit to Thimphu came against the backdrop of China and Bhutan looking at an expeditious resolution of their festering boundary row that could have implications for India’s security interests.
India has been keeping a close eye on the negotiations between Bhutan and China on their boundary row as it could have implications for New Delhi’s security interests, especially in the Doklam tri-junction.
Earlier, Modi thanked Prime Minister Tobgay for the “exceptional public welcome accorded to him, with people greeting him all along the journey from Paro to Thimphu,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said here in a statement.
Modi also received an audience with the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, here. The Fourth King of Bhutan extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister, who in turn, thanked The Fourth King for his leadership, vision and contributions to the strengthening of India- Bhutan relations.
Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Paro International Airport where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Tobgay.
Dressed in their traditional best, the Bhutanese people lined up the entire 45-kilometre route from Paro International Airport to Thimphu, which was decked up with Indian and Bhutanese flags.
Later, a group of Bhutanese youngsters, dressed in traditional Indian attire, performed a dance on a Garba song written by Modi to welcome him to their country.
After watching them perform with rapt attention and applauding at the end of the performance, Modi posted on X along with photos from the occasion: “I am grateful to the people of Bhutan, especially the young children, for the memorable welcome to their beautiful country.”
With inputs from agencies.
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