Bhutan’s Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay arrived in Ayodhya on Friday (September 5) morning during his official visit to India. His wife, Om Tashi Doma, accompanies him. From September 3 to 6, their visit to India covers important cities including Gaya, Ayodhya, and New Delhi. The Ayodhya leg of the tour is being seen as a symbol of deepening cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan.
Red Carpet Welcome and Tight Security
At around 9:30 AM, Prime Minister Tobgay’s aircraft landed at Maharshi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya. He received a red carpet welcome by Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi on behalf of the state government. His convoy then moved towards the Ram Temple under high security. To ensure safety, security forces, including PAC, CRPF, SSF, ATS, STF, and civil police, were deployed across the city. The road leading to the temple was specially sealed to ensure smooth passage.
Visit to Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi
The Bhutanese Prime Minister offered prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and paid his respects to Ram Lalla. Afterwards, he visited Hanuman Garhi and other prominent temples in Ayodhya. His four-hour stay was focused entirely on spiritual visits and cultural connections.
Special Banquet in His Honour
Following the temple visits, the district administration organised a special banquet in his honour. Senior ministers from the central and state governments were expected to join the lunch. After the program, PM Tobgay was scheduled to depart for New Delhi around 1:30 PM.
Strengthening India-Bhutan Relations
This visit carries both cultural and diplomatic significance. India and Bhutan share strong historical ties since the 1865 Treaty of Sinchula. Amid growing Chinese influence in the region, Bhutan continues to hold strategic importance for India. The Prime Minister’s visit to Ayodhya highlights the spiritual link between Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions and India’s Sanatan heritage.
Message of Friendship and Cooperation
Before visiting Ayodhya, PM Tobgay had toured Nalanda University and inaugurated the Royal Bhutan Monastery in Rajgir, Bihar. His Ayodhya visit further underlines the bond of friendship and cultural unity between the two nations. This official trip is likely to take India-Bhutan cooperation and relations to a new level.
