King and Prime Minister of Bhutan Visit Gujarat, Strengthen Ties with India
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay are visiting India. They toured the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar, Gujarat, with their high-level delegation. This visit highlights the deepening bond between Gujarat, known as India’s Growth Engine, and Bhutan.
In 2014, a high-level Bhutanese delegation visited Gujarat, showing enthusiasm for stronger business relations. Over the past five years, exports from Gujarat to Bhutan have grown by 52%, from USD 14.39 million in 2019-20 to USD 21.98 million in 2023-24. Key exports include plastic products, electrical machinery, ceramic products, fish, paper, and medicines.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the dignitaries at Ahmedabad airport. He expressed his honor on his official X handle.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a crucial role in strengthening India-Bhutan relations. His first foreign visit as Prime Minister was to Bhutan in 2014. In March this year, he revisited Bhutan, inaugurating a children’s hospital and announcing a Rs 10,000 crore aid package for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan. Bhutan’s PM Tobgay praised Modi as a ‘friend and elder brother’ and awarded him Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’.
India is Bhutan’s top trade partner, with trade value rising from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1,606 million in 2022-23. Around 30 Indian companies are contributing to Bhutan’s development in various sectors, including banking, manufacturing, electricity, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ITES, hospitality, and education.
Doubts Revealed
Bhutan -: Bhutan is a small country located in the eastern Himalayas, between India and China. It is known for its beautiful mountains and monasteries.
King of Bhutan -: The King of Bhutan is the ruler of Bhutan. His name is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. He is like a king in a fairy tale, but he also works to help his country.
Prime Minister of Bhutan -: The Prime Minister of Bhutan is the head of the government in Bhutan. His name is Tshering Tobgay. He helps make important decisions for the country.
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
Statue of Unity -: The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue, located in Gujarat, India. It is a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an important leader in Indian history.
Economic ties -: Economic ties refer to the business and trade relationships between two places. In this case, it means the business relationship between Gujarat and Bhutan.
Exports -: Exports are goods or services that are sent from one country to another. For example, Gujarat sends goods to Bhutan, which is called exporting.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Bhupendra Patel is the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the country and helps make important decisions for India.