The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Joint Session of the Parliament of Bhutan in Thimphu.
The Prime Minister said that in the last century or so, while the global trend has largely been of expansion and centralization of power, Bhutan has been an exception. It laid the strong foundation for democracy, and has made the transition to a constitutionally established democracy.
The Prime Minister said 7 years is a short time in the history of a country’s democracy. But in this short time, the people of Bhutan have developed faith in the institutions of democracy. There has also been a change in Government. This reflects the maturity and awareness of the people. Shri Modi said India had also witnessed an election recently, and the people of India had voted for good governance and development.
Referring to the welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Jigme Zangpo, Speaker of the National Assembly, that the stronger India is, the better it is for Bhutan, the Prime Minister said he agreed. He added that the entire region, especially the SAARC countries, would benefit if India is prosperous. Only a strong, prosperous India can help alleviate the problems that its neighbours face, Shri Modi said.
Speaking about the India-Bhutan relationship, the Prime Minister said this is not just based on administrative ties. He said both India and Bhutan have seen transitions of power, but the relationship has remained strong. This is because the relationship is based on a shared cultural heritage. We have opened our hearts for each other, Shri Modi said, adding that leaderships may change, but these open hearts will not close, and the heritage that this relationship represented would be nurtured by future generations. India’s people and Government are committed to it, he said.
Referring to the development that has been achieved in Bhutan despite the constraints imposed by nature, Shri Modi said that in future, many small countries across the world will treat this as a model. He said while the world talks of GDP, you talk of Gross National Happiness, and this is because the leadership is concerned about the last man in the line.
Shri Modi said the plans to harness Bhutan’s hydropower potential were not just about Bhutan’s economy, or meeting India’s energy needs, but a small contribution to the fight against global warming.
The Prime Minister also talked about the large contribution made for education in Bhutan’s budget, and said this reflected Bhutan’s investment in the future generations. He said India was keen to make a contribution to this cause. He said India would help set up an e-library in Bhutan, for the benefit of the youth, which would help them connect with the world. He said India would also double the scholarships that are being given to Bhutanese students.
Stating that India and Bhutan must think of how to take the relationship even further, Shri Modi suggested that the Himalayan states of India, along with Bhutan, and perhaps Nepal, could hold a sports meet every year. He said connecting people through sports, brings sportsman spirit, and that contributes to happiness.
The Prime Minister said India’s space technology could also be harnessed to help Bhutan develop even further.
Shri Narendra Modi said people sometimes said the Himalayas separated us. But he thought the Himalayas united us, as they are a part of our common heritage. He said people on both sides of the Himalayas looked up to them as a source of strength. But the need of the hour is to study various aspects of the Himalayas. He said India had already set up a National Action Plan for Climate Change. He said a National Mission for sustaining the Himalayan System could also be considered. He said India also wanted a Central University for Himalayan Studies to be established, and Bhutan would benefit a lot from it.
The Prime Minister said India and Bhutan could together form a holistic approach to tourism, and develop a circuit combining India’s North-Eastern states and Bhutan. He said “Terrorism divides. Tourism unites,” and added that if Bhutan’s natural wealth and capabilities join together, it will be a big invitation for the world.
The Prime Minister referred to a quote from the third King of Bhutan: like milk and water, India and Bhutan cannot be separated. He said the friendship is everlasting, and based on shared cultural heritage. He also thanked the people of Bhutan for the warm welcome they had given him.
The vote of thanks was given by H.E. Dr. Sonam Kinga, Chairman of the National Council.
Citizens appreciate PM Modi’s Vision of Transforming India
They all have been moments of pride & glory for us..PM Modi, has been honoured by so many countries that he has visited, with their highest honour. He's undoubtedly one of the best PM & leader. May Bhagwan bless n you continue to lead us sir...Jai Hind.! pic.twitter.com/57ikM7J3gl
— Rukmani Varma 🇮🇳 (@pointponder) December 24, 2024
Warmest wishes to all on this joyous Christmas Day! Huge kudos to PM @narendramodi for becoming the 1st Indian PM to attend the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India's Christmas celebrations! His message of unity, love & harmony is truly inspiring #PMModi https://t.co/fp0ilg8sM8
— Rishabh_Jha (@d_atticus_) December 24, 2024
#AyushmanBharat is changing the game in cancer treatment!
— Siddaram 🇮🇳 (@Siddaram_vg) December 24, 2024
Poor people are finally coming forward for checkups and care because they have Ayushman Bharat money - something unthinkable 6 years ago.
1/n pic.twitter.com/FkheMIYW3i
Heartfelt thanks to PM @narendramodi Ji for reshaping India's Middle East policy and earning 5 prestigious honors in 10 years. Your diplomacy strengthens global ties and brings pride to every Indian! 🌍🤝 #ModiDiplomacy #IndiaFirst https://t.co/02nkLtF0nY
— Rajat Singh (@RajatSingh64955) December 24, 2024
Thank you, PM @narendramodi Ji, for your commitment to transforming India's infrastructure. The soon-to-be-inaugurated Charlapalli Railway Station in Telangana, built to international standards, promises world-class facilities and improved urban mobility. A proud moment for all! pic.twitter.com/rXmC8eIY31
— J0Gi Singh🇮🇳 (@jogs1985) December 24, 2024
Kudos to PM @narendramodi Ji for prioritizing social welfare and empowerment through transformative initiatives like PM Awas Yojana and Matsya Sampada Yojana. These policies are uplifting lives and driving progress across sectors. A true example of #SabkaSaathSabkaVikas! 🙌
— Satvik Thakur (@SatvikThak74563) December 24, 2024
आभारी हूँ प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi जी की
— Jyoti94 (@dwivedijyoti94) December 24, 2024
! उनके नेतृत्व में भारत रक्षा क्षेत्र में अभूतपूर्व गति से आगे बढ़ रहा है! मोदी सरकार की दूरदर्शिता और निर्णयों ने भारत को आधुनिक हथियारों और तकनीक से लैस करने में मदद की है #रक्षाक्षेत्र #नयाभार pic.twitter.com/A2Y55Vl13l
प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi की सरकार की सफलतम योजनाओं में से एक, 'प्रधानमंत्री जन धन योजना' ने करोड़ों लोगों को बैंकिंग प्रणाली से जोड़ा। यह वित्तीय समावेशन को बढ़ावा देकर गरीब और ग्रामीण वर्गों के लिए आर्थिक सशक्तिकरण का आधार बना। इस ऐतिहासिक प्रयास के लिए आपकी दूरदर्शिता को नमन! pic.twitter.com/aH2hxENURw
— Shivam Verma (@vshivam2244) December 24, 2024
Under the leadership of @narendramodi,the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has empowered over 9 crore households by providing free LPG connections to women from low income families. This initiative has transformed lives by improving health and reducing indoor pollution. pic.twitter.com/VC7dptghl3
— Aditya Sethi (@BIKASHC85165894) December 24, 2024
Thank you PM, for steering India towards remarkable achievements in 2024—robust economic growth, record FDI, world-class infrastructure, and strengthened global diplomacy. Your visionary leadership continues to make India a global powerhouse! 🇮🇳https://t.co/HdcJp3Hrx7
— shruti verma (@vshruti58) December 24, 2024