Bhutan’s Prime Minister makes first international trip to India since taking office

Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay arrived in New Delhi (Photo/X@MEAIndia)

This is the first time that Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay has visited a foreign country since he took office in January 2024.

Upon his arrival at the airport, he was welcomed by Ashwini Choubey, the Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the visit of the Bhutanese Prime Minister and highlighted the strong friendship between the two countries.

“We warmly welcome Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, to India! This is his first visit to a foreign country since assuming office in January 2024. He was received by Ashwini Choubey, the Minister of State, at the airport. This visit demonstrates the excellent friendship between India and Bhutan,” Jaiswal wrote in a post on X.

Accompanying the Bhutanese Prime Minister are the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister, the Industry, Commerce, and Employment Minister, as well as senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

During his visit to India, Prime Minister Tobgay will meet with President Droupadi Murmu and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other Indian dignitaries will also meet with the Prime Minister of Bhutan.

Prime Minister Tobgay is also scheduled to visit Mumbai.

This visit provides an opportunity for both countries to review the progress of their unique partnership and explore ways to further enhance the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.

In January, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra made an official three-day visit to Bhutan during which he met with Prime Minister Tobgay.

India and Bhutan have a strong friendship and cooperation based on trust, goodwill, and mutual understanding at all levels.

The tradition of regular political and official exchanges is an important aspect of the special friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan as his first overseas destination after winning the 2014 election. In August 2019, Prime Minister Modi made a state visit to Bhutan during his second term in office.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited India from September 14th to September 16th, 2022, and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

In April 2023, the King of Bhutan visited Delhi and held meetings with the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the External Affairs Minister. A Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership” was issued, reaffirming the strength of the special partnership and outlining areas for further collaboration.

In November 2023, the King visited India again to have discussions with the Prime Minister, the External Affairs Minister, and the Foreign Secretary. The King of Bhutan also made his first official visit to the states of Assam and Maharashtra to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. (ANI)