Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Saturday paid his respects to the former Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh by attending his funeral in New Delhi. The king arrived in the city a day after he had led prayer ceremonies for Dr. Singh at a Buddhist monastery in the capital, Thimphu. It was a show of respect by Bhutan towards the late leader.
Throughout Bhutan, prayer services were conducted in all 20 Dzongkhags or districts in memory of Dr. Singh. The Bhutanese government said that the national flag was flown at half-mast throughout Bhutan and in Bhutan’s embassies and consulates abroad.
In Thimphu, a somber ceremony was held at the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong where 1,000 butter lamps were lit. Notably, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, members of Bhutan’s royal family, and senior government officials attended the event.
Watch the video as Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attends Manmohan Singh’s funeral
On social media, Bhutan’s government posted a moving message. It expressed its solidarity with India and stated that all national flags were flown at half-mast as a tribute to Dr. Singh. The statement reads: “As a mark of respect to the late former prime minister and in solidarity with the government and people of India, all national flags across the country and at Bhutan’s embassies, missions, and consulates abroad are being flown at half-mast.”‘
The late prime minister died on Thursday evening at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness. He was India’s prime minister from 2004 to 2014. Also, he played a significant role in shaping the country’s economic policies and fostering international relations. Under his leadership, India-Bhutan relations flourished, especially in the fields of trade and energy.
Long overdue, one of the basic elements of the India-Bhutan relationship is that of the longstanding Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Notably, it was initially signed in 1949 and renewed in 2007 during Dr. Singh’s tenure. The bilateral agreement has also strengthened ties, and in particular, in terms of hydro-power, remaining a cornerstone of their cooperation.
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