Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paro, Bhutan for a 2-day visit on Friday, March 22, 2024, and Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay received him with a warm hug at Paro Airport including the Guard of Honour. Mr. Modi also received Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
The weather in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan caused Modi to postpone his visit. Expectantly, billboards and posters announcing Modi’s arrival have been put up around Bhutan.
According to the ministry of external affairs, the tour will provide both parties with a platform to discuss and exchange perspectives on bilateral and regional issues as well as measures to deepen and broaden their “exemplary partnership” for the good of the populace.
Days have passed since Tshering Tobgay, the prime minister’s counterpart from Bhutan, travelled to India from March 14–18. Togbay’s first visit was India after joining office in January.
Modi announced during Tobgay’s visit that New Delhi’s development assistance will be focused on establishing infrastructure and fostering connectivity, and that India would increase its support for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, including considering a proposal for an economic stimulus program.
The prime ministers agreed that the region is strengthened by the excellent partnership between India and Bhutan, according to a joint statement released following Modi and Tobgay’s meeting. The two sides also agreed to further develop their bilateral ties, with Modi stating that India is dedicated to helping Bhutan achieve its goal of becoming a high-income country in accordance with the Bhutanese king’s vision.
Tobgay expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for providing ₹5,000 crore in development funds for Bhutan’s most recent five-year plan.
