Narendra Modi visits Bhutan, a grand welcome on red carpet
On his first foreign visit since taking over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Sunday to cement India’s ‘unique and special relationship’ with Bhutan and his thrust to make the ties more effective. A grand welcome was accorded to him by the Bhutanese government which rolled out a red carpet and gave a ceremonial guard of honour to him.
Modi, accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, was received at the Paro airport by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and several of his Cabinet colleagues. The Prime Minister drove down from Paro to Thimphu, a distance of about 50 kms, traversing through the picturesque mountainous ranges.
Common people, including children, in colourful attire lined up most of the road between Paro and Thimphu, waving Indian and Bhutanese flags. Big hoardings carrying Modi’s photographs also could be seen en route. Soon after his arrival, Modi called on Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk.
“I am looking forward to my first-ever visit to Bhutan and to nurturing and further strengthening India’s special relations with Bhutan,” said Modi before undertaking the trip at the invitation of Bhutan’s King and the Prime Minister.
“Our relations with Bhutan are unique and especially warm. Our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners,” Foreign Secretary Singh told a press conference in Delhi.
“Bhutan is one of our most important strategic partners. It is a very good country to show our policy of good neighbourliness in South Asia and special token of our friendship,” she said explaining why Bhutan was chosen as the first foreign destination of Modi.
Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Tobgay during his visit which will see the two sides exploring ways to boost their ties, particularly in trade and hydro-electricity.
He will also address the joint session of the Parliament of Bhutan. He will also inaugurate one of India’s assistance projects – the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan.
Agency
BHUTAN FIRST STOP FOR MODI
The External Affairs Ministry has confirmed that among several invitations from world leaders inviting Narendra Modi, Bhutan will the first foreign trip after taking the oath as the Prime Minister of India.
USA President Barack Obama also invited personally Modi to visit USA to develop some relations with Modi. Obama personally congratulated & called on Modi post the Lok Sabha elections. Its revealed that Modi will be visiting USA sometime in September.
Although USA, President office has proposed a date of September 30 & Indian Ministry is looking to make it on September 26 which collides with for the United Nations General Assembly.
A VIDEO
India's Modi to visit U.S. in September, first trip to Bhutan
NEW DELHI Fri Jun 6, 2014 8:24am EDT
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) walks to speak with the media as he arrives to attend his first Parliament session in New Delhi June 4, 2014.
(Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States, most likely in September, but his first foreign trip will be a lot closer to home - to the tiny Himalayan state of Bhutan.
Modi, who invited South Asian leaders to his swearing in on May 26, has sought to convert his landslide election victory last month into a platform to pursue a more assertive foreign policy and promote trade and investment.
But, rather than Washington, Beijing or Tokyo, the 63-year-old premier will first visit Bhutan - a landlocked kingdom sandwiched between India and Chinese Tibet that has a population of less than 1 million.
"The prime minister's inbox relating to foreign policy is very crowded," foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told a briefing on Friday. "India's foreign policy priorities are in the neighborhood."
Modi hopes to be able to take up U.S. President Barack Obama's invitation, extended on the day of his election victory last month, to visit Washington in September.
"We are now in contact with the U.S. to work out what would be a mutually convenient date for both of us," said Akbaruddin, confirming earlier reports.
A visit to Japan could come in July. Modi is close friends with Shinzo Abe, and is one of just three people followed by the Japanese prime minister on Twitter.
On the multilateral front, Modi will take in the summit of BRICS emerging economies being hosted by Brazil after the soccer World Cup in July.
He will go to the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September, followed by summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Group of 20 and South Asian states.
(Reporting by Sruthi Gottipati; Writing by Douglas Busvine)
Modi leaves for Bhutan on first foreign visit as PM
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File photo shows the Parliament building, background, and the office of the king at Thimpu, Bhutan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Bhutan on Sunday, where he will meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and address a joint session of P
arliament.
He is accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday embarked on a visit to Bhutan, his first foreign destination since he took over, with a focus on making development cooperation with the neighbouring country “more effective”.
Ahead of his visit, Mr. Modi said Bhutan was a “natural choice” as his first foreign destination because of the “unique and special relationship”.
He is accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.
He will meet Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during his two-day visit which will see the two sides exploring ways to boost their ties, particularly in trade and hydro-electricity.
Mr. Modi will also address the joint session of the Parliament of Bhutan. He will also inaugurate one of India's assistance projects — the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan.
The fact that the Prime Minister chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo it and establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu.
In his pre-departure statement, Mr. Modi said relations with Bhutan will be a key foreign policy priority of his government.
“I am looking forward to my first-ever visit to Bhutan and to nurturing and further strengthening India's special relations with Bhutan," said Mr. Modi before undertaking the two-day trip at the invitation of Bhutan's King and the Prime Minister.
"Our relations with Bhutan are unique and especially warm. Our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners," the Foreign Secretary told a press conference here while giving details about the visit.
"Bhutan is one of our most important strategic partners... It is a very good country to show our policy of good neighbourliness in South Asia and special token of our friendship," she said explaining why Bhutan was chosen as the first foreign destination of Modi.
Mr. Modi said, "Bhutan and India share a very special relationship that has stood the test of time."
He said Bhutan's peaceful and smooth transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy has been a success story. "Its orderly conduct of elections is testimony to the consolidation of its democracy, in accordance with the wise vision of their Majesties."
The Prime Minister said, "The government of India has been a privileged and leading partner of Bhutan in its socio-economic development. "We rejoice in Bhutan's remarkable economic growth and its progress and prosperity. We are committed to continuing our unstinted support to Bhutan in its development efforts", Mr. Modi said in the statement.
He said hydropower cooperation with Bhutan "is a classic example of win-win cooperation and a model for the entire region".
During the visit, he will lay the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu hydropower project. "People-to-people contact is an important aspect of our bilateral relations. I intend to discuss with the Bhutanese leadership how to further strengthen these contacts between our countries, particularly among the youth. In this regard, the role of educational links will be very important," he said.
Keywords:
Modi Bhutan visit,
India-Bhutan ties,
Kholongchu hydropower project
Narendra Modi thanks guardian deities, Kings for Bhutan visit success
PTI Jun 17, 2014, 05.00PM IST
(Modi, who chose Bhutan as…)
NEW DELHI: Happy over his successful Bhutan visit,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the "blessings of our guardian deities, leadership of our Kings, good fortune of our people" for it.
"Visit a success: All thanks to the blessings of our Guardian Deities; leadership of our Kings; good fortune of our People," Modi tweeted.
Modi, who chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination since taking over last month, received a rousing welcome in that country with the Monarchy and the government going out of the way to display their special gestures.
He was received at the
Paro airport by Prime Minister
Tshering Tobgay and his
Council of Ministers and was accorded ceremonial guard of honour at the airport and also at the Royal Palace on the first day of the visit on Sunday.
Tobgay and his Council of Ministers went to the airport, about 50 kms from
Thimphu, to see him off as well, yesterday.
Both while coming and leaving, Modi was given a special welcome en route from Paro to Thimphu, with common people, including children, lining up the road waving flags of India and Bhutan.
While leaving, Modi stopped at two places to interact with common people and children.
"My inner voice said I should visit Bhutan first," the Prime Minister said yesterday while explaining why he had chosen Bhutan as his first foreign destination.
"After such a big mandate, there is usually a temptation to visit some big powerful nation so that there is praise all over. But my inner voice said that I should visit Bhutan first," he said while addressing the joint session of
Bhutanese Parliament.
"There was no plan. It was a simple step. Had I not visited Bhutan first, my conscience would have questioned me why I did not do so," he added.
Later, on his return yesterday, he tweeted, "Back to Delhi. This Bhutan trip will remain etched in my memory. It was a very satisfying & productive visit".
Narendra Modi's Bhutan visit demonstrates his 'pragmatism': Report
PTI Jun 17, 2014, 05.26PM IST
BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice of
Bhutanas his first foreign destination demonstrates his "pragmatism" to develop ties with neighbours and should not be exaggerated with "China factors", an article in a state-run daily here said today.
"Modi's trip to Bhutan should not be exaggerated and added with too many China factors," an article in the Global Times said.
"Bhutan hasn't established diplomatic relations with many countries, such as China or the US," it said, referring to former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's attempt to sound Bhutan to
open diplomatic relations during his meeting with his then counterpart
Jigmi Thinley in 2011 at an international forum.
"Thinley also expressed a willingness to settle border issues with China in a cooperative manner. This has caused quite a stir in India which sees China as its arch rival in its neighbourhood," the article said.
"India's concern about China, if there is any, may be that it wants to see if there is any correlation between China's attitudes in solving border disputes with India and Bhutan," it said.
"Modi has made
Japan his second stop. Given his choice of Bhutan as first foreign trip and Japan as the second, it is fair to say pragmatism dominates his agenda," considering that his focus is on economic development, the article said.
The biggest difference between Modi's election manifesto and that of the Congress party was that Modi focuses on economic growth and vows to learn business mode from foreign countries, it said.
In the past, the target of India's "Look East" policy was
ASEAN, and now it has shifted to Japan which can provide with investment and technology, it added.
Japan's nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also has plans to woo India. Some even view Modi as India's Abe. And these two countries have no historical disputes, the article noted.
In the future, India may play a bigger role in regional frameworks such as the BRICS, the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, the article said.
"All in all, that Modi puts neighborhood politics on a more positive trajectory, and his balancing act among major regional players reaffirms his reputation for pragmatism," it said.
Narendra Modi re-tweets Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay's thanks to 'guardian deities, Kings' for success of his visit
PTI Jun 17, 2014, 05.38PM IST
NEW DELHI: Happy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful visit,
Bhutan Prime Minister
Tshering Tobgay has thanked the "blessings of our guardian deities, leadership of our Kings, good fortune of our people" for it.
"PM@narendramodi visit a success: All thanks to the blessings of our Guardian Deities; leadership of our Kings; good fortune of our People," Tobgay tweeted, which was re-tweeted by Modi.
Modi, who chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination since taking over last month, received a rousing welcome in that country with the Monarchy and the government going out of way to display their special gestures.
He was received at the Paro airport by and his Council of Ministers and was accorded ceremonial guard of honour at the airport as well as the Royal Palace on the first day of the visit on Sunday.
Tobgay and his Council of Ministers went to the airport, about 50 kms from
Thimphu, to see him off as well, yesterday.
Both while coming and leaving, Modi was given a special welcome en route from Paro to Thimphu, with common people, including children, lining up the road waving flags of India and Bhutan.
While leaving, Modi stopped at two places to interact with common people and children.
"My inner voice said I should visit Bhutan first," the Prime Minister said yesterday while explaining why he had chosen Bhutan as his first foreign destination.
"After such a big mandate, there is usually a temptation to visit some big powerful nation so that there is praise all over. But my inner voice said that I should visit Bhutan first," he said while addressing the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament.
"There was no plan. It was a simple step. Had I not visited Bhutan first, my conscience would have questioned me why I did not do so," he added.
Later, on his return yesterday, he tweeted, "Back to Delhi. This Bhutan trip will remain etched in my memory. It was a very satisfying & productive visit".
Lessons from Bhutan for PM Modi
Importing valuable lessons on governance and public policy from Bhutan
Nikhil Inamdar | Mumbai
June 18, 2014 Last Updated at 09:45 IST
It isn't difficult to imagine why Prime Minister
Narendra Modisays his
Bhutan visit will remain 'etched' in his memory for long. Its strategic geo-political significance aside, the Himalayan kingdom, dotted with ancient monasteries, robed monks and fluttering flags flying across pristine mountain ranges bares out the impression of an idyllic way of life that has enticed travelers, campaigners and politicians alike. Bhutan in some sense also dispells the preeminence of the global consensus on resource driven laissez faire development that the rest of the world has taken for granted.
Its most successful export - the concept of the
Gross National Happiness has now become part of global conversation on replacing existing measures of economic prosperity and wellbeing. And its peaceful transition from absolute monarchy to thriving democracy has lent further credibility to the country's firm resolution to chart its own exclusive course of 'progress' while selectively embracing modernity, becoming in the way the envy of a region wracked with political turmoil.
Good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation are the 4 pillars on which the idea of the GNH rests. Bhutanese Prime Minister
Tshering Tobgay warned last year about not letting the positive stereotyping of it distract attention from Bhutan's pressing problems of low standards of living, burgeoning unemployment and corruption. But for the Modi government which has hit the ground running to reinvigorate
India's moribund economy, there are lessons to be imported from the development model that this tiny kingdom nestled between two of Asia's biggest superpowers subscribes to.
For all the problems that Tobgay elucidates, Bhutan has seen considerable success in improving its social indicators, doubling life expectancy and enrolling near 100% of its children in primary schools in the last 20 years, according to press reports. Hydropower is the backbone of Bhutan's industrial ambitions and the approximately 1500 MW its 4 stations generate contribute to a fifth of the nation's
GDP currently. Bhutan has a declared aim to increase this capacity to 10,000MW by 2020 for export to India, which has ecologists worried about the environmental risks associated with such ambitions. But the country's “run of the river” projects are still far less damaging than the big hydroelectric dams being built elsewhere including in India's North-Eastern belt.
Environmental protection is a constitutional pledge in Bhutan and the country has vowed to keep at least 60% of its land under forest cover, helping it largely transcend the usual conflicts between development and environmental protection that have plagued the India growth story. Similarly in areas of education (through the Green Schools for Green Bhutan program) and tourism, which is carefully regulated to generate low volume, high value visits, Bhutan has used the tenets of the GNH to effectively shape policy.
There is much India can learn and embrace from this Bhutanese project. It is undoubtedly a difficult paradigm to follow given our size, complexity and also the vastly different aspirations of the youth in this country, who would perhaps dismiss such goals as deluded and impracticable for a modern industrializing economy with ambitions to become a global superpower. But for the newly elected PM, facing intense pressure from industry and global investors to deliver GDP growth at any cost, Bhutan's inclusive approach provides a valuable framework for keeping social, human, environmental and economic rationales at the forefront of public policy, than merely chasing a captivating GDP number come what may.
In times of crisis, the latter can be a very tempting proposition. But for the larger goal of sustainable growth, and importantly to avoid the inevitable tensions and injustices that arise when new models of development fuel ground level resistance movements, such as in India's mineral rich tribal belts, governments must feel obligated to utilizing this multilateral model to gauge the impacts of its policy actions on society.
In Modi's own state of Gujarat the decision last week to raise the height of the
Narmada Dam by 17 meters has had activists up in arms. 2.5 lakh people residing in the submergence area are likely to be affected by the decision. More such instances of dissidence must be expected in the days to come as fast track clearances for infrastructure and mining projects in ecologically and demographically sensitive areas are doled out.
An explicit assertion thus by the government, of its intent to keep the interests of all stakeholders in mind even as it undertakes grand growth spurring initiatives is the absolute need of the hour. Modi could do well to publicize a new holistic approach by making 2-3 big pronouncements - the acceptance of the recommendations of the
Madhav Gadgil Panel on the Western Ghats, or a relook at the over 150
hydel power plants coming up in the North-Eastern part of the country for instance - to drive a new paradigm for inclusive growth.
If a tiny mountain kingdom can think up big ideas for a sustainable future, there is no reason why a visionary leader in the world's largest democracy, elected with a thumping majority mustn't.
Is India worried about China's influence in South Asia? Modi's first foreign trip suggests so
India's new PM made a surpise visit to Bhutan this week
According to India’s newly elected Prime Minister, it was a “natural choice”. But at least a few observers were surprised Narendra Modi’s first official foreign visit would be to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
"The relationship between India and Bhutan is historic. The new government is committed to making this even stronger,” Mr Modi told the Bhutanese parliament in Thimpu on Monday. “If you walk a few steps, we too feel like walking those steps and supporting you.”
From all reports Mr Modi’s visit went down a storm. His hosts overlooked a slip in his speech when he initially referred to Bhutan as Nepal, and schoolchildren lined up to see him. Parliamentarians even overlooked a cultural disinclination to clap and gave him a round of applause. (Clapping is traditionally done to ward off evil, rather than to display appreciation.)
“I think Modi’s visit represents just how close the relationship is,” said Neelam Deo, a former Indian diplomat who is currently director of the Indian Council on Global Relations.
Mr Modi signed off on deals over hydroelectricity generation and food exports, and he inaugurated the new premises of Bhutan’s Supreme Court, built with Indian help. He met with the royal family, said to be close to the Congress party, now sitting in India’s opposition benches.
The visit also presented an opportunity to further cement links to a strategically located country some believe could be open to influence of neighbouring China.
India has long had close links to Bhutan, which only had its first road build in 1962, obtained the television in 1999 and made the transition from absolute monarchy in 2008.
The relationship has got stronger since China invaded Tibet in 1959. An Indian military training camp has been established there since the early 1960s and the country provides around $780m in aid. Yet there have been fears among some in Delhi that Bhutan remains open to slipping under the influence of China.
As The Hindu newspaper
reported this week, while Bhutan and China have no formal diplomatic relations, in 2012 Bhutan's Prime Minister at the time met the then Chinese Premier on the sidelines of a UN summit in Brazil. The Bhutanese leader told his Chinese counterpart that he wished to forge official ties. India sat up and took note.
When I visited Bhutan a couple of years ago, there appeared to be substantial evidence of Indian influence and almost no evidence of China’s hand. A Thimpu-based observer confirmed to me that this had not changed.
“I think India’s concern is highly over-stated. There is no Chinese influence in Bhutan as such,” said the person, who asked not to be named. “I think the threat of China as a major player is irrational on the part of India.”
In pictures: India elections 2014
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Although it is not just in Bhutan that India feels Chinese influence in South Asia.
When it looks eastwards to Burma it sees China’s strong presence, when it gazes south towards Sri Lanka it sees a growing relationship that has led to China building ports and to the west it is all too aware of China close ties with Pakistan. Indeed, China has been increasing its interaction with countries across the region, including India.
Bhutan is all too aware of this and is disinclined to do anything what would sorely upset India.
As if to underscore this, a day after Mr Modi’s visit concluded, Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, told India’s NDTV news channel there was no plan for a Chinese mission any time soon. “We don’t even have any diplomatic relations. How can there be an embassy without diplomatic relations?”
Assam party slams Modi over Bhutan power project
IANS | Guwahati June 17, 2014 Last Updated at 19:58 IST
Assam's regional party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Tuesday slammed Prime Minister
Narendra Modi for the launch of a hydro power project in Bhutan, saying it will endanger the lives and property of people in certain districts of Assam. Modi, during his trip to Bhutan, laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu hydro-electric project, a joint venture between India and Bhutan.AGP general secretary Durgadas Bodo said Modi had spoken against big dams during his election campaign in Assam."However, in less than a month after coming to power, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of such a huge power project in Bhutan that will endanger the lives of people in certain districts of Assam," Bodo said.He said the dam of the 60 MW Kurichu hydel project in Bhutan had caused devastating floods in five districts of Assam in 2004 and 2007."One can imagine what kind of devastation will be caused in Assam after the 600 MW project happens," he said.He said the move "shows that the BJP-led government at the centre and the former Congress-led government does not have much difference in their attitude towards Assam and the northeast," he added.The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has also demanded a white paper from the union government on the Bhutanese hydel power project.
Modi thanks guardian deities, Kings for Bhutan visit success
Last Updated: Tuesday, June 17, 2014, 17:36
New Delhi: Happy over his successful Bhutan visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked the "blessings of our guardian deities, leadership of our Kings, good fortune of our people" for it.
"Visit a success: All thanks to the blessings of our Guardian Deities; leadership of our Kings; good fortune of our People," Modi tweeted.
Modi, who chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination since taking over last month, received a rousing welcome in that country with the Monarchy and the government going out of the way to display their special gestures.
He was received at the Paro airport by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and his Council of Ministers and was accorded ceremonial guard of honour at the airport and also at the Royal Palace on the first day of the visit on Sunday.
Tobgay and his Council of Ministers went to the airport, about 50 kms from Thimphu, to see him off as well, yesterday.
Both while coming and leaving, Modi was given a special welcome en route from Paro to Thimphu, with common people, including children, lining up the road waving flags of India and Bhutan.
While leaving, Modi stopped at two places to interact with common people and children.
"My inner voice said I should visit Bhutan first," the Prime Minister said yesterday while explaining why he had chosen Bhutan as his first foreign destination.
"After such a big mandate, there is usually a temptation to visit some big powerful nation so that there is praise all over. But my inner voice said that I should visit Bhutan first," he said while addressing the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament.
There was no plan. It was a simple step. Had I not visited Bhutan first, my conscience would have questioned me why I did not do so," he added.
Later, on his return yesterday, he tweeted, "Back to Delhi. This Bhutan trip will remain etched in my memory. It was a very satisfying & productive visit".
PTI
Bhutan’s proposed 600 Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project raising concern in Assam
LINK HERE
(Repeating after rephrasing headline and intro and correcting
Press Trust of India | New Delhi
June 17, 2014 Last Updated at 18:02 IST
Happy over Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's successful visit, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has thanked the "blessings of our guardian deities, leadership of our Kings, good
fortune of our people" for it.
"PM@narendramodi visit a success: All thanks to the blessings of our Guardian Deities; leadership of our Kings; good fortune of our People," Tobgay tweeted, which was re-tweeted by Modi.
Modi, who chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination since taking over last month, received a rousing welcome in that country with the Monarchy and the government going out of way to display their special gestures.
He was received at the Paro airport by and his Council of Ministers and was accorded ceremonial guard of honour at the airport as well as the Royal Palace on the first day of the visit on Sunday.
Tobgay and his Council of Ministers went to the airport, about 50 kms from Thimphu, to see him off as well, yesterday.
Both while coming and leaving, Modi was given a special welcome en route from Paro to Thimphu, with common people, including children, lining up the road waving flags of India and Bhutan.
While leaving, Modi stopped at two places to interact with common people and children.
"My inner voice said I should visit Bhutan first," the Prime Minister said yesterday while explaining why he had chosen Bhutan as his first foreign destination.
After such a big mandate, there is usually a temptation to visit some big powerful nation so that there is praise all over. But my inner voice said that I should visit Bhutan first," he said while addressing the joint session of Bhutanese Parliament.
"There was no plan. It was a simple step. Had I not visited Bhutan first, my conscience would have questioned me why I did not do so," he added.
Later, on his return yesterday, he tweeted, "Back to Delhi. This Bhutan trip will remain etched in my memory. It was a very satisfying & productive visit".
Narendra Modi at the lunch hosted by the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Narendra Modi while returning to India from Bhutan, with Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Narendra Modi at the lunch hosted by the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Narendra Modi meeting the officials, before his departure from Bhutan.
Narendra Modi waving to children who lined up waving flags to wish him goodbye along the road to the airport, in Bhutan before returning to India.
Narendra Modi blessing a Bhutanese girl child, who presented a bouquet, before his departure from Bhutan, in Thimphu.
◄
Narendra Modi waving to the dignitaries, on his departure from Bhutan to Delh
PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan extremely satisfying: Sushma Swaraj
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Thimphu, (Bhutan) June 16 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan as extremely successful and satisfying.
“India selected Bhutan because it is one of our important neighbours, and certainly the friendliest country. This visit has been extremely successful and satisfying. It has reinforced and further strengthened relations between India and Bhutan. In spite of being a very short visit, the Prime Minister could interact with the legislator, judiciary and executive, all the three wings of democracy,” said Swaraj at a press conference here today.
Apart from addressing members of both the houses of parliament and inaugurating the building of the Supreme Court of Bhutan, the Prime Minister had very good interactions with the country’s present and past monarchs,” she added.
Appreciating the welcome received by the Prime Minister, she said that “We are deeply touched by the friendly gestures, the monarchy’s leadership and the people of Bhutan. We are told that K5 Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck personally supervised all the arrangements. The Bhutan Prime Minister went out of his way, and he personally received our Prime Minister at the airport, and the children and ordinary people from Paro to Thimphu came with traditional offerings of fruits and flowers.”
Talking about the commitments made by the previous government on the eleventh five-year-plan, Swaraj said Modi had said that “such commitments are not made by government to government, but by country to country. So, India will definitely fulfill all its commitments to Bhutan.”
She said: “The hydro projects under progress in Bhutan will definitely gain speed in our governance, because the Prime Minister believes in speed.”
Swaraj said that Modi’s vision is that as both the countries start with the letter B, so Bharat should be for Bhutan and Bhutan should be for Bharat, because the security concerns and development visions of both the countries are same.
She ended saying, “When Modi says that a strong and prosperous India is in favor of SAARC countries, similarly, having a prosperous and stable government in the neighbourhood is in favor of India, and this is our vision.” (ANI)
Modi's Bhutan visit demonstrates his "pragmatism": article
Press Trust of India | Beijing
June 17, 2014 Last Updated at 16:56 IST
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's choice of Bhutan as his first foreign destination demonstrates his "pragmatism" to develop ties with neighbours and should not be exaggerated with "
China factors", an article in a state-run daily here said today.
"Modi's trip to Bhutan should not be exaggerated and added with too many China factors," an article in the Global Times said.
"Bhutan hasn't established diplomatic relations with many countries, such as China or the US," it said, referring to former Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao's attempt to sound Bhutan to open diplomatic relations during his meeting with his then counterpart Jigmi Thinley in 2011 at an international forum.
"Thinley also expressed a willingness to settle border issues with China in a cooperative manner. This has caused quite a stir in
India which sees China as its arch rival in its neighbourhood," the article said.
"India's concern about China, if there is any, may be that it wants to see if there is any correlation between China's attitudes in solving border disputes with India and Bhutan," it said.
"Modi has made Japan his second stop. Given his choice of Bhutan as first foreign trip and Japan as the second, it is fair to say pragmatism dominates his agenda," considering that his focus is on economic development, the article said.
The biggest difference between Modi's election manifesto and that of the Congress party was that Modi focuses on economic growth and vows to learn business mode from foreign countries, it said.
In the past, the target of India's "Look East" policy was ASEAN, and now it has shifted to Japan which can provide with investment and technology, it added.
Japan's nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also has plans to woo India. Some even view Modi as India's Abe. And these two countries have no historical disputes, the article noted.
In the future, India may play a bigger role in regional frameworks such as the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, the article said.
"All in all, that Modi puts neighborhood politics on a more positive trajectory, and his balancing act among major regional players reaffirms his reputation for pragmatism," it said.
Modi gives primacy to Hindi in Bhutan
Mon, Jun 16 2014 15:21 IST | 2 Views |
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Thimphu, June 16
Indian leaders conversing with foreign dignitaries have generally spoken in English and also addressed international gatherings in English, the country's official language ever since its independence from British colonial rule in 1947. But Prime Minister
Narendra Modi has broken the custom and is increasingly resorting to Hindi, the national language and one that is spoken by the majority of the population in this polyglot nation, during talks with foreign leaders and in his official addresses. In his maiden foreign trip after assuming office in New Delhi less than a month back, Modi spoke all through in Hindi. Modi gave two public speeches during his two-day official visit to this quaint nation that takes a lot of pride in its culture, language and way of life. On Sunday, he spoke at the banquet hosted by Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. An address to the joint session of parliament followed Monday. On both the occasions, Modi - just like he did during his election rallies - spoke extempore, with some talking points and the drafted speech which he did not consult kept on the table or lectern before him. Both the speeches, which the Bhutanese leaders heard through interpreters, were well received. In fact, veering away from their age-old custom of not clapping in congratulatory gestures, the gathering at the National Assembly – the lower house of parliament which was the stage for Modi's address Monday – broke into spontaneous applause after the Indian prime minister's rousing speech.
Indian media: Modi's Bhutan visit
Mr Modi (centre) met Bhutan's King Jigme Kesar Wangchuk (left) and Queen Jetsun Pema on Sunday
Media in India feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bhutan visit shows his government's policy of asserting influence in South Asia.
Mr Modi on Sunday met Bhutanese King Jigme Kesar Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay in Thimpu on his first foreign trip as PM.
"Right from day one, the Narendra Modi government has made clear the importance it attaches to relations with neighbouring countries. Mr Modi's swearing-in ceremony that saw leaders of all Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations attending exemplified this point,"
The Times of India says.
"In this regard, Mr Modi's two-day visit to Bhutan - his first official foreign trip since assuming office - underscores his administration's commitment to India's neighbours," the paper adds.
Mr Modi addressed a joint session of Bhutanese parliament on Monday, stressing his government's desire to further boost Delhi-Thimphu ties.
Some sections of the media are also hoping that Mr Modi's visit will counter China's efforts to have greater influence in Bhutan.
The
Hindustan Times notes that Mr Modi's overtures to Bhutan "assume significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo it and establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu".
"The Buddhist nation, wedged between India and China, is the closest India has to an ally in South Asia, a region of bristling rivalry where China is making inroads," the paper added.
Mr Modi's visit comes ahead of another round of scheduled bilateral talks between China and Bhutan, reports say.
Road rage
Moving on to domestic stories, in a tragic case of road rage, a traffic policeman was allegedly run over by a 26-year-old in Delhi following a heated argument,
The Times of India reports.
The quarrel occurred when the policeman stopped the man for driving on the wrong side of the road, the paper says.
When asked to take a different route "the accused reversed his car and ran over the constable", the paper adds.
And finally, India has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq due to escalating violence in the Middle Eastern country, the
Mint website reports.
"In view of the precarious security situation prevailing in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Iraq," the paper quotes the external affairs ministry as saying.
The Indian embassy in Baghdad has also set up a 24-hour helpline to assist its citizens living in the country, the paper adds.
Sunni rebels led by ISIS (the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) have taken control of key cities of Mosul and Tikrit.
BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. For more reports from BBC Monitoring,
click here. You can follow BBC Monitoring on
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China says ‘happy to see’ Modi’s Bhutan visit
ANANTH KRISHNAN
PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the National Assembly in Thimphu, Bhutan on Monday.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Bhutan, China on Monday rejected suggestions of any competition with India for strategic space in the neighbourhood, affirming that it was both “happy” with Mr. Modi’s visit and “full of confidence” over the future of relations with India.
Asked about perceptions among some analysts that Mr. Modi’s decision to make Bhutan his first overseas visit may have been prompted in some measure by Beijing’s recent overtures to Thimphu – with which it does not yet have formal diplomatic relations – Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters here that China was “happy to see the development of friendly, cooperative, mutually beneficial relations between our other neighbours”.
She added, “China pays high attention to developing relations with India. With consistent efforts from both sides, relations have scored substantive progress in recent years. Our strategic cooperative partnership for peace and development is advancing steadily”.
China and Bhutan do not have formal diplomatic relations, although both sides regularly exchange political, trade and cultural delegations.
The two countries have also been engaged in talks to settle their disputed border, holding more than 19 rounds of negotiations.
While India has had traditionally close historical relations with Bhutan, that Beijing and Thimphu were willing to take ties to a higher level was made evident in June 2012 when former Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley, who ended his term in July last year, held a first ever meeting with then Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, on the sidelines of a United Nations conference in Brazil.
Mr. Thinley then told Mr. Wen that his government “wishes to forge formal diplomatic ties with China as soon as possible” – a declaration that generated much interest in India at the time – while the Chinese leader said Beijing was willing to settle the boundary dispute “at an early date” and step up cooperation in all fields.
Ms. Hua, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said, “We have not established diplomatic relations but our two countries maintain friendly exchanges and visits”.
“We respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bhutan and are willing to further develop good neighbourly relations with Bhutan based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence,” she said.
Some analysts in Beijing have the view that India has sought to block Bhutan from establishing diplomatic ties with China.
A commentary in the Communist Party-run tabloid Global Times, known for its hard-line views, last year accused India of influencing domestic elections in Bhutan and treating the country "like a protectorate" by withdrawing petroleum subsidies. The move was seen by some in Thimphu as a response to its warming ties with Beijing, although New Delhi rejected those suggestions.
"The withdrawal of subsidies before Bhutan’s elections reflected that India never gives up its power politics where it doesn’t need to,” the commentary said, describing “Indian influence on Bhutan’s elections” as “a tragedy for Thimphu”.
Ms. Hua, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, on Monday downplayed suggestions of strategic competition with India, reiterating that Beijing was looking forward to deepening ties with the new government in New Delhi under Prime Minister Modi.
China has been keen to quickly establish contact with the Modi government. Mr. Modi’s electoral victory has been seen by many analysts in Beijing and by Chinese industry representatives as providing a platform to deepen economic ties, with Gujarat emerging as a popular destination for Chinese investment during Mr. Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister. Mr. Modi has visited China four times.
President Xi Jinping asked Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit New Delhi on June 8 – one of the first senior officials from outside South Asia to visit India following the election – as his “special envoy” to underline his intent of building closer ties. Mr. Xi will visit India later this year.
Both sides had “agreed to maintain momentum of high-level visits and press ahead with the development of China India strategic cooperative partnership” following Mr. Wang's visit, Ms. Hua said.
“Generally speaking,” she added, we are full of confidence in the further development of China-India relations in the future”.
Keywords:
China,
India,
Bhutan,
Narendra Modi,
Bilateral relations,
Border dispute,
Competitive diplomacy
