The Bhutanese Leading the way.
To celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan, and to further strengthen the existing state of bilateral relations between the two countries, the two countries would be involved in a series of commemorative activities and high-level exchanges this year.
The Foreign Minister, Lyonpo Damcho Dorji, said the two countries have already started with some of the activities to commemorate the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. “Bhutan and India established diplomatic ties on January 8th 1968. Since then the two countries shared very close ties and to celebrate 50 years of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, we have categorized the celebrations under three broad themes; namely Commemorative theme, Events and Milestones.
The two countries will also see high-level exchanges of visits. His Majesty The King is also expected to plan a visit to India and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also consented to visit Bhutan to mark the eventful year, said the Foreign Minister.
“And under the Royal Command of His Majesty The King, to accord befitting commemoration of the event, we have formed a National Organizing Committee chaired by the former Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye and the team has been working very hard in close consultation with the Indian Embassy in Thimphu. The Bhutanese Embassy in Delhi has also been doing the same,” said the Foreign Minister.
Many of the Commemorative events that are expected to be carried are yet to be officially finalised. Lyonpo Damchoe Dorji said that under the Commemorative theme, the two countries have already unveiled the joint logo for the celebrations, launched commemorative stamps, and there will be launch of books about the relationship between the two countries.
Under the events, inauguration of the Mangdechhu Hydro Power Project, inauguration of the Gyalpozhing-Nanglam highway, inauguration of the Damchu-Chukha bypass and organizing prayers for world peace in India by His Holiness the Je Khenpo among other several events by engaging youths from India and Bhutan would be carried out.
Under Milestones, works are underway to lay the foundation stones for the construction of Sunkosh Hydro Power Project, Oncology Centre in Gidakom, and works are also underway for the construction of Bhutan-India Friendship stupa among several other important milestones.
“I’ve already made a couple of visits to New Delhi this year and we’ve also invited the External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj. We have already started with the celebrations by unveiling the joint logo, musical performances, organizing trade fairs, inaugurating the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General’s Office in Guwahati and National Animal Hospital, launching commemorative stamps, and the re-commissioning of the Jungshina Power Project,” highlighted the Foreign Minister.
