PM Modi arrives in Paro to receive Bhutan award.
PM Modi’s first visit since Order of the Druk Gyalpo announcement in 2021.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 24-hour State visit to Bhutan commenced on Friday, March 22, 2024, following the postponement of his initial trip due to adverse weather conditions on Thursday. Upon his arrival in Paro, Bhutan, Mr. Modi was warmly welcomed, including a Guard of Honour reception. During this visit, he is set to receive Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit since the prestigious award was announced in 2021. The honor will be bestowed upon him by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in recognition of Modi’s efforts to bolster the strong ties between India and Bhutan. Particularly noteworthy is India’s provision of 500,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Bhutan in 2021, a gesture that significantly contributed to the health and well-being of the Bhutanese people.
The timing of PM Modi’s visit is notable, occurring just a week after Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay’s visit to Delhi. Traditionally, bilateral visits by Prime Ministers are foregone once election dates are scheduled. However, sources indicate that this visit underscores India’s unwavering commitment to Bhutan and reflects the government’s “neighbourhood first” policy.
Upon landing in Thimphu, Mr. Modi is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome at the Tashichhodzong complex, followed by an audience with the Bhutanese King. A banquet hosted by the King in the PM’s honor is also on the agenda. Additionally, PM Modi will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who recently visited Delhi. The two leaders will exchange signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including agreements on cooperation in energy conservation and food safety standards.
As part of his itinerary, PM Modi will inaugurate a “Mother and Child Hospital” in Thimphu, one among several healthcare and referral facilities in Bhutan supported by India’s funding. The visit aims to further strengthen the enduring friendship and collaboration between India and Bhutan before Mr. Modi returns to Delhi.
In addition to discussions on bolstering bilateral ties, the progress of Bhutan’s boundary talks with China holds significant importance in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda during his 24-hour State visit to the Himalayan kingdom. Particularly, attention is focused on the disputed regions of Doklam in Bhutan’s West, near the trijunction point with India, and Sakteng in Bhutan’s East. China’s recent claims in the Sakteng area, which borders India’s plans for upgrading road infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh, have raised concerns.
While Bhutan-China boundary discussions traditionally concentrated on areas to Bhutan’s west and north, China’s newfound claims in the east have prompted fears of Beijing applying pressure on Bhutan. This pressure could potentially hasten boundary talks or risk broadening the scope of dispute areas.
Recent reports, unconfirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), suggest that India has paused construction on segments of the road between Bletting in Tawang and Doksum in Bhutan’s Trashigang district. This decision follows a request from Bhutan.
The then-Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji visited Beijing to sign a “cooperation agreement” for a joint technical team (JTT) to facilitate the negotiation process.
India now observes the approach of Bhutan’s new government, under Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who took office in January 2024. Due to the sensitive nature of the issue, the MEA has maintained limited commentary during this month’s consecutive visits. No press briefing occurred after Mr. Tobgay’s visit or prior to Mr. Modi’s visit to Thimphu.
The agenda for talks in Thimphu also includes Bhutan’s plans for its 13th Five Year Plan (FYP 2024-2029) and its request for India’s developmental assistance. Of particular interest is Bhutan’s ambitious project, the “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” envisioned along its southern border with Assam. These discussions underscore the multifaceted nature of India-Bhutan relations, touching upon geopolitical concerns and developmental aspirations alike.
India’s development assistance to Bhutan will focus on infrastructure development, encompassing road, rail, air, and digital connectivity.
This assistance extends to sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, skill development, and cultural preservation, as highlighted in the joint statement issued in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed appreciation for the Bhutanese King’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, foreseeing its role in fostering economic prosperity in Bhutan and the region. The statement further emphasized the strengthening of economic and investment ties between India and Bhutan. Notably, India stands as Bhutan’s top trading partner, with its non-hydropower trade in goods tripling from US$ 484 million to US$ 1.606 billion over the past decade, according to MEA data.
India’s contribution of Rs 5000 crore (approximately US$ 600 million) in the previous 12th Five Year Plan constituted 73% of Bhutan’s total external grant component.