Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Visits Gujarat: Strengthening Ties and Exploring Collaboration
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, accompanied by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, embarked on a significant three-day visit to the Indian state of Gujarat from July 22 to 24, 2024. This visit, marked by a warm reception and insightful exploration of infrastructure projects, highlights the strengthening of diplomatic and developmental ties between India and Bhutan.
Day One: A Royal Welcome and Iconic Visits
Upon arrival at Vadodara Airport on July 22, His Majesty the King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay were greeted by Gujarat’s Minister of State Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma. The Information Department of Gujarat tweeted, “Atithi Devo Bhava: King of Bhutan Shri Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Shri Tshering Tobgay, who arrived in Gujarat, were warmly welcomed at Vadodara Airport by Minister of State for Protocol Shri Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma and other dignitaries as per the distinguished tradition of Gujarat.
The delegation’s first stop was the iconic Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, erected in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key architect of independent India. The King and Prime Minister also toured the nearby Sardar Sarovar Dam, the second-largest gravity dam globally in terms of concrete volume. This visit underscored the importance of monumental achievements in India’s infrastructure landscape.
A Warm Reception in Ahmedabad
Later, at Ahmedabad Airport, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and a host of dignitaries, including Protocol Minister Shri Jagadish Vishwakarma, Ahmedabad Mayor Smt. Pratibha Jain, and India’s Ambassador to Bhutan Shri Sudhakar Dalela, extended a warm welcome. The airport event featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Garba dances, symbolizing Gujarat’s rich heritage.
In a statement, Chief Minister Patel said, “Chief Minister Warmly Welcomes His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and PM Mr. Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. Gandhinagar, 22 July 2024: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel warmly welcomed the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Mr. Tshering Tobgay upon their arrival in Ahmedabad for a three-day tour of Gujarat.
Day Two: Renewable Energy and Port Development
On July 23, His Majesty visited the Hybrid Renewable Energy Park in Khavda, the world’s largest renewable energy project, developed by Adani Green Energy Ltd. This visit reflected Bhutan’s interest in renewable energy, a sector where it aims to achieve significant growth.
The King also visited Mundra Port, India’s largest container port and commercial port, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited. These visits highlighted the advanced infrastructure and commercial prowess of Gujarat, presenting potential areas of collaboration for Bhutan.
Day Three: Smart City Initiatives
Before departing for Bhutan, His Majesty explored Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Ahmedabad. GIFT City is set to become India’s first operational greenfield smart city and international financial services center, showcasing cutting-edge urban development and smart city initiatives. This visit was aligned with Bhutan’s aspirations for its own urban development projects, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This royal visit was a follow-up to recent high-level discussions between the foreign secretaries of India and Bhutan. On July 20, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his Bhutanese counterpart, Aum Pema Choden, conducted the 3rd Development Cooperation Talks of the 13th Five Year Plan. They reviewed various projects, including the virtual inauguration of 19 schools in Bhutan, reflecting the fruitful cooperation in sectors like education, health, and digital economy.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck expressed gratitude to the government and people of Gujarat for their exceptional hospitality, symbolizing the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. The visit not only celebrated existing collaborations but also explored new avenues for partnership, particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, promising a brighter, collaborative future for both India and Bhutan.
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