Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at Paro International Airport to pay an official two-day state visit to Bhutan. PM Modi was warmly received by his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay at the airport who also gave the former a tight hug.
Later on PM Modi was accorded with the guard of honour by the Bhutanese armed forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a state visit to Bhutan on Friday, aiming to participate in various programs aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and Bhutan. In a statement posted on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for discussions with the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister @tsheringtobgay, emphasizing the significance of further solidifying the relationship between the two nations.
The departure for Bhutan was delayed due to adverse weather conditions, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. However, new dates for the visit are currently being arranged through diplomatic channels.
The bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan is characterized by mutual trust, goodwill, and understanding, with formal diplomatic ties established in 1968. The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, initially signed in 1949 and renewed in February 2007, serves as a cornerstone of this relationship.
High-level exchanges over the years have played a crucial role in nurturing the strong bond between the two countries. Notably, King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has made multiple visits to India, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan in August 2019 was significant, marking the launch of major bilateral projects aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and connectivity.
Moreover, the recent official visit of Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan to India in March 2024 further reinforced the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral relations across various domains, including development cooperation and vibrant economic ties.