New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Feelings of warmth and bonhomie overflowed the streets of Bhutan as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rousing welcome. Crowds lined up the entire 45-kilometer route from Paro to Thimphu, cheering and waving flags of the two nations as PM Modi walked, blessing young children, and exchanging greetings with the public.
Arriving in Bhutan on a two-day state visit, PM Modi was received by his counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, with warm hugs and a traditional Bhutanese scarf. The visit, earlier postponed by a day due to weather conditions, signifies the tradition of high-level exchanges between the countries and India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
During his stay, PM Modi will inaugurate the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility in Thimphu built with India’s assistance. He will also meet with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and other dignitaries, reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties between the two neighbours established in 1968.
In a post on X, PM Modi thanked his counterpart Tobgay for the warm welcome, stating, “Thank you for the warm welcome to Bhutan, PM @tsheringtobgay. May India-Bhutan friendship keep scaling new heights.” The visit highlights the mutual respect and collaboration between the two countries, further solidifying their bilateral relationship.
