His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, called on President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (July 6, 2018).

Welcoming the Bhutanese Prime Minister to India, the President said that India and Bhutan share an exemplary bilateral partnership.  Our relations are unique and special.  Our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends.  He stated that the government and people of India appreciate the vision of the Druk Gyalpos, which has guided relations between India and Bhutan.  With the wisdom and foresight of the Monarchs of Bhutan and the Indian leadership, India-Bhutan relations have gone from strength to strength. 

The President said that Bhutan has made rapid economic progress in recent years. It has made advances on social indicators in pursuance of happiness as a national philosophy. He was happy to note that many of the projects under Bhutan’s recently concluded 11^th Five Year Plan have been implemented in a timely manner. He emphasised that India is firmly committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development and to support its 12^th Five Year Plan based on Bhutan’s priorities. 

The President was happy to learn that the golden jubilee anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan is being celebrated in a manner befitting our special relationship.  He noted that 50 commemorative events have been planned both in India and Bhutan to mark the special year. 

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AKT/SH/SBP