By: Aditya Ahuja
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Bhutan on Saturday morning as he boarded his flight back to New Delhi. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay personally saw off PM Modi at the airport.
PM Modi had landed at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport on Friday morning. Here are some key highlights from his two-day visit.
Indian-funded hospital in Bhutan
PM Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital in collaboration with Bhutanese PM Tobgay on Saturday. This hospital, fully funded by the Indian government, symbolises the close cooperation between the two nations in healthcare.
Financial assistance package
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi announced an assistance package of 10,000 crores for Bhutan’s 13th five- year plan, further solidifying the bond between the two countries.
Prime Minister Tobgay lauded this gesture, hailing Prime Minister Modi as a “friend and elder brother”, whose visit to Bhutan was warmly received by its citizens.
PM Modi conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian honour
Prime Minister Modi was conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, which is Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. He became only the first foreign dignitary and the fourth person to receive this award.
As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan, taking precedence over all orders, decorations and medals.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians,” Modi posted on X soon after.
Bilateral talks and agreement
During the two-day visit, PM Modi and Bhutan PM Tobgay finalised the MoU on the establishment of rail links between the two nations.
The two leaders also reviewed all aspects of bilateral energy cooperation and, welcomed the expert-level discussions on the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydro- electric Project, adding that they look forward to the commissioning of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydro- electric Project later this year.
PM Modi and PM Tobgay agreed that the India-Bhutan energy partnership has the potential to benefit both countries by enhancing energy security, strengthening their economies, generating employment, enhancing export earnings, and contributing to the further development of industrial and financial capacities.
PM Modi’s two-day state visit to Bhutan spanned from March 22-23. He was welcomed by a massive crowd at the Para International Airport, highlighting the friendly atmosphere between the two nations.
