Amid Picturesque Landscape, PM Modi’s Bhutan Visit Ends With ‘Another Special Gesture’ | Here’s How & Other Trip Details – News18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital along with his Bhutanese counterpart, Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

The Bhutanese prime minister expressed his gratitude towards the Indian government for fully funding the construction of the state-of-the-art hospital.

“This is going to go long way in improving the lives of the Bhutanese while especially ensuring the good health of our mothers and children,” Tobgay told news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, in a special gesture — on the conclusion of PM Modi’s visit — both the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, as well as Bhutanese PM Tshering Tobgay went to see him off at the airport.

‘SHINING EXAMPLE’ OF INDIA-BHUTAN’S…

Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, India, shared images from the inauguration and said, “The state-of-the-arty hospital is a shining example of India-Bhutan development cooperation.”

The hospital has facilities for Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Anesthesiology, Operation Theatre, Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Intensive Care.

PM Modi, during his two-day visit, also announced a substantial assistance package of Rs 10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan.

BHUTANESE PM, HEALTH MINISTER EXPRESS GRATITUDE

Bhutanese Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk expressed gratefulness “to the Government and people of India for the 100 billion commitment in the” five-year plan.

Prime Minister Tobgay also hailed PM Modi’s gesture and said that he was “welcomed with open hearts by every citizen of the country”.

“This historic visit is going to further strengthen the already strong relations between the two countries,” the Bhutan PM said.

He further, on behalf of the people of Bhutan, congratulated his “friend” PM Modi for receiving the country’s highest civilian award. “He is the first foreigner to receive it so we are very proud and happy…,” PM Tobgay added.

Health Minister Wangchuk noted that the hospital is 15-bedded dedicated to all the mothers and children of Bhutan.

The health minister also highlighted the 150,000 doses of vaccines that Bhutan received under the Government of India’s Maitri initiative. “That enhanced the friendship and everyone remembers it…,” Wangchuk added.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Health Minister Wangchuk also explained Bhutan’s 13th five-year plan, saying that they will initiate the Cancer Hospital under this plan. “Right now, we are sending all Cancer patients to India. After a few years, once we realise the Cancer Hospital, I think that will enhance the health service system in Bhutan again,” he added.

Minister Wangchuk described the inauguration of the hospital to be a demonstration of the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan. “All these facilities you see here were built with the assistance of and in partnership with the Government of India,” he said while emphasising the collaborative efforts that form the base of a strong bilateral relation.

PM MODI’S TWO-DAY BHUTAN VISIT

In his two-day visit to the country, PM Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart also reviewed all aspects of bilateral energy cooperation and welcomed expert level discussions on an Hydro-electric project.

The two leaders noted the contribution their clean energy partnership has made in the development of hydropower sector in Bhutan.

PM Modi appreciated the Bhutanese firms and technical agencies’ growing domestic capacity in implementing energy projects.

Meanwhile, Bhutanese PM Tobgay also congratulated PM Modi for the notable growth of the renewable energy sector in the recent years in India. He also hailed PM Modi’s leadership in encouraging initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the National Green Hydrogen Mission of India.

Both the countries will review and finalise on project-specific implementation process for new projects, including reservoir hydro projects.

PM Modi and PM Tobgay asserted that power exchange between the two countries will continue to play a significant role in energy security in the region.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay at Paro airport. Huge banners, enthusiastic Indian diaspora and local people of Bhutan welcomed PM Modi to their homeland.

He was also conferred with the highest civilian honour of Bhutan, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.

(With ANI inputs)