Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay arrived in Gujarat today for a three-day tour, with their first stop being the iconic Statue of Unity.
The distinguished guests received a warm welcome at Vadodara airport, greeted by Gujarat Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma in accordance with the state’s renowned hospitality tradition.
In a post on X, the Information Department of Gujarat said, “Atithi Devo Bhava: King of Bhutan Shri Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Shri Tshering Tobgay, who arrived in Gujarat, were warmly welcomed at Vadodara Airport by Minister of State for Protocol Shri Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma and other dignitaries as per the distinguished tradition of Gujarat… #Vadodara”
Upon their arrival, the Bhutanese dignitaries were treated to a showcase of Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional garba performances and drumming. The airport welcome committee included prominent figures such as Mayor Pinkiben Soni, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela, and various high-ranking officials from both state and central governments.
After a brief stop at the airport, King Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tobgay departed for Ektanagar, home to the Statue of Unity. This visit underscores the strong diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, coming just days after a high-level meeting between the two nations’ foreign secretaries.
On July 20, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, held the 3rd Development Cooperation Talks of the 13th Five Year Plan. During these talks, they reviewed implementation strategies and cooperation across various developmental sectors.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the numerous projects completed under the 12th Five Year Plan, spanning areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, cultural heritage, health, education, and digital economy.
As a testament to the ongoing collaboration, the two foreign secretaries virtually inaugurated 19 schools in Bhutan during their meeting.
(Inputs from ANI)