Embassy of India

Your Excellency Lyonchhen Jigmi Thinley
Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan,
Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am deeply touched by your warm welcome and kind hospitality. I am delighted that my first visit abroad as External Affairs Minister is to Bhutan, our closest friend and neighbor. India-Bhutan relations are an example of good neighbourliness. The Bhutanese people enjoy a very special place in the minds and hearts of all Indians. My visit, therefore, is to reaffirm the deep emotional bonds of friendship between our two countries that have few parallels in the world.

Excellency, our relationship is ‘special’ because it is historic and time tested. It is ‘special’ because it is founded on extraordinary goodwill and absolute trust. And it is ‘special’ because it is based on a genuine concern for each other’s interests and welfare.

Since the historic day of 21st September 1958, when Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru came to Bhutan, traveling across the Himalayas on foot and on horseback, both countries have worked assiduously to give our special relationship a boost to develop in a multifaceted way. The substance of our bilateral ties are manifested in the ever widening canvass of our interaction covering a broad spectrum, such as, power, transport, communications, infrastructure, education, IT, industry, medicine and agriculture.

Mr. Prime Minister, the principle of mutual benefit guides our relationship. The most outstanding example of this is our collaboration in the hydel-power sector. The beginning was modest. But success gave us confidence. We have now embarked on the exciting journey to fulfill Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visions of generating 10,000 MW of hydel power for export to India by 2020. This, when realized, will benefit both countries enormously.

As you are aware, Excellency, India has just had its general election. As the world’s largest democracy, we consider it our sacred duty to work even more closely with Bhutan, the world’s youngest democracy. I take this opportunity to assure you that India will stand with Bhutan in the fulfillment of its democratic aspirations. Democracy has come to Bhutan in the most unique circumstances. I wish to put on record my sincerest tribute to the vision and foresight of Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, whose personal examples of leadership, sagacity, and statesmanship will forever remain an inspiration not only for Bhutan but also to the world.

Mr. Prime Minister, Bhutan is going through a historic phase of transition. India celebrated with Bhutan the 100th anniversary of the Wangchuck dynasty, the Coronation of His Majesty the King, the first elections and the adoption of the new Constitution in 2008. We rejoice in the success of Bhutan. We celebrate its increasing prosperity. We admire its unique notion of Gross National Happiness. We respect its deep commitment to the preservation of its environment. We applaud its endeavours for the preservation of its glorious culture and heritage. We salute this beautiful kingdom which is the youngest democracy in the world and has the youngest King at its helm.

In the years ahead, both our countries will need to work together even more closely in deepening and widening the canvass of our bilateral engagement. India will fulfill its commitments under Bhutan’s 10th Five Year Plan, and for the fruition of many other projects where we are working together, including new and emerging areas such as IT. In Bhutan’s march to peace, progress and prosperity, India will be your reliable companion.

May I take this opportunity, Mr. Prime Minister, to once again thank you for the very warm and cordial hospitality extended to me and members of my delegation. We greatly value your commitment to the strengthening of Indo-Bhutan relations. We know the great experience and wisdom you bring to your new responsibilities. I am confident that, under your guidance, Indo-Bhutan relations will grow from strength to strength.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I request you to join me in raising a toast to:

• The good health and well being of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan;
• To the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Bhutan; and
• To the everlasting friendship between India and Bhutan.

Namaste and Tashi Delek