When the Prime Minister embarked on a productive journey to Mumbai, where he engaged in a series of significant meetings aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation and exploring investment avenues for Bhutan.
The day commenced with a constructive discussion between the Prime Minister and Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of TATA Sons, at the company’s headquarters. The hour-long engagement delved into various areas for collaboration, including hydropower, sustainable energy, human resource development, and other economic development opportunities. Both parties expressed mutual interest in exploring partnerships that would benefit both Bhutan and TATA Sons.
Following this, the Prime Minister met with representatives from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) to further discuss potential investment avenues in Bhutan. The meeting provided a platform for fruitful discussions on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.
Continuing his diplomatic engagements, the Prime Minister also had the privilege of meeting with His Excellency Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India. Discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for collaboration between Bhutan and the United States.
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister took a brief respite from his busy schedule to visit the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC), a prestigious institution dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian arts and culture. The center serves as a hub for nurturing talent and fostering cultural exchange between communities from India and around the world.
As the day drew to a close, Mr. Anil Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Group, extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation at his residence. The evening was marked by engaging discussions on potential investment opportunities in Bhutan across various sectors. The gracious hospitality extended by Mr. Ambani provided a conducive environment for fruitful dialogue and strengthened ties between Bhutan and Reliance Group.
Overall, the Prime Minister’s visit to Mumbai was characterized by productive engagements aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and exploring avenues for economic growth and development in Bhutan. Through these interactions, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and advancing mutual interests for the prosperity of both nations.
Before embarking on his visit to Mumbai, the Prime Minister of Bhutan delivered a captivating speech on “GNH 2.0: Gross National Happiness for the 21st Century” at the esteemed India Today Conclave in New Delhi. Addressing a distinguished audience of global thought leaders, His Excellency shed light on Bhutan’s remarkable progress in socio-economic development guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH). He emphasized Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing and happiness of its people through a holistic approach encompassing economic growth, social welfare, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, all underpinned by effective governance.
The Prime Minister articulated Bhutan’s vision for GNH 2.0, heralding a new era in operationalizing GNH for the 21st century. He outlined His Majesty’s ambitious plan for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a transformative initiative aimed at advancing the principles of GNH and fostering sustainable development in Bhutan. His Excellency also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for their steadfast support in Bhutan’s developmental journey.
Upon his arrival in Mumbai, the Prime Minister engaged with Mumbai-based tourism business operators at an event organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). In a bid to promote tourism between India and Bhutan, His Excellency encouraged the operators to facilitate more Indian tourists to visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister visited the Raj Bhawan and met with the Governor, H.E. Shri Ramesh Bais, along with senior officials of the Government of Maharashtra. The Governor hosted a banquet in honor of the Prime Minister and his delegation, fostering camaraderie and goodwill between Bhutan and Maharashtra.
Furthermore, H.E. Shri Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India, held discussions with the Honorable Prime Minister to explore cooperation efforts in the energy sector, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
Additionally, the Prime Minister seized the opportunity to meet with Mr. Gautam Adani, the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, to discuss potential areas of partnership in Bhutan’s economic development plans and projects. The meeting underscored the importance of fostering strategic collaborations to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in both nations.
On the evening of his visit to New Delhi, the Prime Minister of Bhutan addressed a gathering of tourism promoters in India, hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in honor of his visit. Emphasizing Bhutan’s sustainable tourism brand rooted in the values of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the Prime Minister invited more Indian tourists to experience the unique charm of Bhutan. He underscored the importance of bolstering the thriving tourism industry between the two countries and discussed ideas and interventions to attract more Indian visitors to Bhutan. The session also included a dynamic Q&A segment, allowing for fruitful exchanges on Bhutan’s tourism sector.
Later, the Prime Minister met with members of the India Bhutan Friendship Association (IBFA), expressing gratitude for their dedication in nurturing the special relationship between the two nations at a grassroots level. Highlighting the significance Bhutan places on the role of the Association, given its counterpart in Bhutan, the Bhutan India Friendship Association (BIFA), receives the attention of His Majesty The King. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening bilateral ties.
On the second day of his visit to Delhi, Prime Minister H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay paid a courtesy call on the Honorable President of the Republic of India, H.E. Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This meeting served to further deepen diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India, emphasizing the shared values and mutual respect between the two nations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister and his delegation visited the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat to pay homage and lay a wreath, honoring the enduring legacy of the great leader Mahatma Gandhi. This gesture symbolized Bhutan’s reverence for the principles of peace, non-violence, and justice espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, which continue to inspire nations worldwide.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s engagements in India underscored Bhutan’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and strengthening bilateral relations with India. Through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, Bhutan aims to foster enduring ties and create a more prosperous and harmonious future for both nations.
