Bhutan’s Soman Yeshley rewrote the record books by becoming the first bowler to grab eight wickets in a T20 game.

The 22-year left-arm spinner ran through the Myanmar top order to return with figures of eight for seven in his four overs for a first in the shortest format of the game.

Myanmar were bowled out for 45, chasing Bhutan’s 127 thanks to Yeshey’s heroics. Bhutan dominated the T20I series winning 5-0 with the 22-year-old picking 13 wickets in the series.

Six bowlers have picked up a seven-wicket haul in T20I cricket (two in men’s cricket and four in women’s cricket). Indonesia’s Rohmalia has the best figures of seven for none against Mongolia in 2024 in women’s T20I cricket while Syazrul Idrus had the previous best figures in men’s international cricket (seven for eight for Malaysia against China).

Yeshey picked up a three-wicket haul on his T20I debut in 2022 against Malaysia and hasn’t looked back since, snapping 38 wickets in 35 matches. (ICC)

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Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to provide Rs 10,000 crore to Bhutan for supporting its 13th five-year plan includes India’s support for its economic stimulus package.

While addressing a special briefing on PM Modi’s State Visit to Bhutan, Kwatra noted that India has been the largest development partner of Bhutan since the inception of Bhutan’s next five year plan process. He recalled that India had given support of Rs 5000 crore for Bhutan’s 12th five year plan.

Kwatra said, “Another very significant outcome for India-Bhutan relationship from this ongoing state visit of Prime Minister was the announcement by Prime Minister that the government of India will be supporting the 13th five year plan of Bhutan to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore. This assistance for the 13th five year plan of 10,000 crores also includes India’s support for Bhutan’s economic stimulus package. As you are aware, India has been the largest development partner of Bhutan since the inception of Bhutan’s next five year plan process.”

“Just to give a comparative frame of reference for the 12th five year plan, the total support provided was 5000 crores. So, the quantum announced by the honourable Prime Minister today in the public event as also in the private conversation is double of what was announced for the previous five year plan. And this is again a manifestation of one clear strength of our partnership and also manifestation of our commitment to step up our support for the 13th five year plan which essentially is a very important segment of bilateral cooperation between the two systems between the two peoples. Also, our assistance is a very crucial part of our partnership. And what it does most importantly is allow both the countries to push forward our bilateral engagement in the areas of common priorities,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India will provide support of Rs 10,000 crores to Bhutan over the next five years.

In his address at Tendrelthang Festival Ground in Thimphu, PM Modi said, “We will work on new possibilities in connectivity, infrastructure, trade and energy sector between India and Bhutan. There should be a new airport for better air connectivity, new rail links between Gelephu to Kokrajhar, Samtse to Banarhat, operation of waterways through Brahmaputra, we will soon see these completed rapidly. Integrated Check Posts will also be built to further strengthen the trade infrastructure.”

“As always, there will be our full cooperation and support for the Thirteenth Five Year Plan of the Government of Bhutan. I would also like to announce to my brothers and sisters of Bhutan that the Government of India will provide a support of Rs 10 thousand crore in this direction in the next five years,” he added.

PM Modi, who is on a two State visit to Bhutan on Friday, said that the aspirations and goals of the youth of India and Bhutan are similar and assured the Himalayan country of support at every step to make both BB i.e. Brand Bhutan and Bhutan Believe successful.”

He stated that India and Bhutan are parts of shared heritage and highlighted the Buddha connection between the two nations.PM Modi said, “India and Bhutan are parts of a shared heritage. India is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is the place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. Whereas, Bhutan is the place which embraced and conserved the teachings of Lord Buddha. It has kept alive the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.” (ANI)

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A group of youngsters in Bhutan’s Haa district have created the Nya Chuthang Sanam Detshen farm group at Nobgang under Samar Gewog in order to transition from workers to owning their own companies, Bhutan Live reported. Dreaming of success, the youngsters have become torchbearers of the new generation of farmers for the people in the country, especially the youth.

Four 20 year-olds began working on the farm last year. On their five acres of property, they grew potatoes this year. The former pasture property was developed with assistance from the district administration by them. “All the members of the group have studied up to classes 8, 10 and 12. We tried different types of work but we failed many times. We have only four members as of now but there are about 15 to 16 youths from our village who work with us. We plan on registering them with us as members in the future,” remarked Nya Chuthang Sanam Detshen’s founder, Namgay Dorji, according to Bhutan Live.

Dorji said that his parents are farmers, which is why he is also interested in farming. The district administration has additionally built electric fencing in addition to the land development. Regarding the farm venture, the District Agriculture Officer Tashi Wangchuk said, “We not only helped them turn the property into agriculture by installing electric fencing, but we also gave them seeds on a subsidy,” reported Bhutan Live.

In addition to economic prospects, if everything goes according to plan, the group will hire more young people and lead the way for the next generation of farmers. (ANI)

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The Global Buddhist Summit scheduled to be held in India on April 20-21 demonstrates a huge opportunity for South East Asian countries to foster stronger ties and address pressing global challenges collectively, The Bhutan Live reported. 

The upcoming summit will undoubtedly amplify India’s role as a supportive neighbour and ally, further solidifying their bonds and encouraging continued cooperation.

Read more:

https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/global-buddhist-summit-to-amplify-indias-role-as-supportive-neighbour-and-ally-report20230411104216/

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For Bhutan, India is not just a friend, but also the birthplace of Buddhism, a faith that promotes peace and compassion. To the people of Bhutan, India represents the land of eight sacred sites, with Bodh Gaya as the spiritual epicentre. Bhutan and India have shared a long unique bond of friendship, which continues to grow stronger each day. The role of Buddhism in fortifying this connection cannot be overstated, The Bhutan Live stated.

A lesser-known symbol of the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between these two nations is the Royal Bhutan Monastery in India. Constructed in 2003 under the auspices of the then-King of Bhutan, this monastery is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, and serves as a testament to the deep connection shared by these nations.

Featuring traditional Bhutanese architecture, the monastery houses a temple with a 7-foot tall statue of Lord Buddha, intricately adorned with Buddhist symbols and scriptures. The monastery’s activities include discourses on Buddha’s teachings, guided individual and group meditation, peace prayers, and temple offerings. Visitors can enjoy these experiences year-round, as the monastery remains open and requires no entry fee.

Additionally, the monastery offers a 15-room guesthouse for devotees. While there is no charge for staying in the guesthouse, a small voluntary donation is appreciated to help maintain its operations.

The Royal Bhutan Monastery attracts tourists from across the globe, drawn by its unique beauty and serene atmosphere. It is worth noting that Buddhism arrived in Bhutan from India in the 8th century BC, brought by the renowned Indian saint Swami Padmasambhava.

Known as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava disseminated Buddha’s message throughout the Himalayan region, including Bhutan, Tibet, Mongolia, and beyond, Bhutan Live reported.

The existence of the Royal Bhutan Monastery not only serves as a spiritual haven for Buddhists but also has a positive impact on Indo-Bhutan relations. This sacred site exemplifies the mutual respect and cultural understanding that exists between the two countries.

The monastery has become a platform for fostering diplomatic, cultural, and spiritual exchanges, further solidifying the bond between India and Bhutan, Bhutan Live reported.

As a symbol of unity and collaboration, the Royal Bhutan Monastery contributes to the stability and harmony of the region, promoting a sense of shared heritage and values. This enduring relationship, grounded in mutual admiration, paves the way for continued cooperation and growth, benefiting both nations in various aspects, including trade, education, and tourism. (ANI)

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The visit of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel to India from April 3- 5 will further strengthen the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development cooperation between the two nations.

India has consistently been Bhutan’s top trading partner and remains the leading source of investments in Bhutan. In November 2021, the Indian government formalised the opening of seven new trade routes for Bhutan’s bilateral and transit trade with India, new market access was provided for allowing the formal export of 12 agri-products from Bhutan to India, and various special exceptions/ quotas for export are also provided.

India has been extending economic assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development since the early 1960s when Bhutan launched its Five Year Plans.

For the 12th Five Year Plan, India assisted Bhutan with Rs 4500 crore for various multi-sectoral project-tied assistance, small development projects, Direct Budgetary Support, etc.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by understanding and mutual trust.

Mutually beneficial hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan forms the core of bilateral economic cooperation.

India has been extending economic assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development since the early 1960s when Bhutan launched its Five Year Plans.

For the 12th Five Year Plan, India assisted Bhutan with Rs 4500 crore for various multi-sectoral project-tied assistance, small development projects, Direct Budgetary Support, etc.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by understanding and mutual trust.

Mutually beneficial hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan forms the core of bilateral economic cooperation.

India has been extending economic assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development since the early 1960s when Bhutan launched its Five Year Plans.

For the 12th Five Year Plan, India assisted Bhutan with Rs 4500 crore for various multi-sectoral project-tied assistance, small development projects, Direct Budgetary Support, etc.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, which are characterized by understanding and mutual trust.

Mutually beneficial hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan forms the core of bilateral economic cooperation. (Business Standard)

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Villagers of Dechhenling Gewog in the Pema Gatshel district of Bhutan have started practicing oyster Mushroom cultivation and the business has proven to be a lucrative one, Bhutan Live reported.

Oranges and maize have been the main sources of income for the farmers of Dechhenling Gewog, and Pema Gatshel, up until this point. But, a few villagers have begun practicing the mushroom farming industry this year.

The business was started by a group of three villagers in a temporary shed on a trial basis.

“If we want to be self-sufficient, I thought that we must take up such cultivation. So, along with my two friends, we started this oyster mushroom cultivation on a trial basis,” said Ugyen Thinley, a member, according to Bhutan Live.

“As I do not have qualifications, it is difficult to find a job these days. So, I thought it would be better to work with experienced people. And I decided to join this project to become self-sufficient,” another member, Ngawang Chogyal said.

People from the neighbourhood have been visiting the group since they are the gewog’s oyster mushroom growers.

The group has made roughly 200 to 250 ngultrum per kilogramme selling about 30 kilogrammes of mushrooms in the neighbourhood. They bring the spawns from India and the Menchu in Norbugang Gewog. (ANI)

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King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will officially visit India from April 3- 5. He will be accompanied by Dr Tandi Dorji, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and senior officials of the Royal Government of Bhutan, according to the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

His India visit comes at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu.

The visit of the King of Bhutan is in keeping with the long-standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and during his visit, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and senior officials will call on the King of Bhutan.

India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship and cooperation, characterized by understanding and mutual trust.

The visit would provide an opportunity for both sides to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and to further advance the close bilateral partnership, including economic and development cooperation, the release added.

Earlier in February 2023, a Parliamentary Delegation from Bhutan led by Wangchuk Namgyel, Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan called on President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming the delegation, the President said that we deeply value the multifaceted and unique friendship between India and Bhutan.

The Government of India is committed to expanding its excellent bilateral cooperation with Bhutan, in accordance with the aspirations and priorities of the people of Bhutan.

India is foraying into new avenues of bilateral cooperation with Bhutan such as Space Cooperation, Smart Agriculture, Youth and Sports, Start-ups, Renewable energy and Digital Development, to help the Royal Government of Bhutan realize its vision of prosperity for all.

The President noted that this year Bhutan would graduate from the LDC group of countries and embark on becoming a High Income Economy by 2034.

India and Bhutan share unique and exemplary bilateral relations, which are based on mutual trust, goodwill and understanding. Formal diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968.

The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was renewed in February 2007.

The bilateral ties have been advanced by regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

India re-negotiated the 1949 treaty with Bhutan and signed a new treaty of friendship in 2007. The new treaty replaced the provision requiring Bhutan to take India’s guidance on foreign policy with broader sovereignty. (ANI)

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The recently unveiled Union Budget of India for Financial Year 2023-24 was closely watched by foreign policy mandarins as well as India’s aid recipient countries. Although the aid package for the upcoming fiscal year has been slashed from Rs. 6,292.30 Crore in 2022-23 to Rs. 5,408.37 Crore for 2023-24, yet the intent to boost a cooperative partnership with these countries remains with a focus on targeted interventions, Bhutan Live reported.

While the budget has been slashed for most of the countries, the aid package for Bhutan, Maldives and Latin America saw an uptick. Where for Bhutan the aid figure rose from Rs. 2,266 Crore to Rs. 2,400 Crore, for the Maldives it rose from Rs. 360 Crore to Rs. 400 Crore and for Latin American countries Rs. 40 Crore to Rs. 50 Crore.

Bhutan Live reported that Maldives is among a few countries whose budget aid has increased from Rs. 360 Crore to Rs. 400 Crore owing to New Delhi’s engagements in the Great Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) and other high-impact community development projects (HICDP).

The budget for Afghanistan, Africa and Other Developing Countries remained the same at Rs. 200 Crore, Rs. 250 Crore and Rs. 150 Crore respectively. For the development of Chabahar port in Iran, a separate allocation of 100 Crore has been earmarked, the same as it was the previous fiscal.

The continued aid to Afghanistan despite the Taliban regime still not having earned international legitimacy shows India’s concern and care for the people of Afghanistan who are facing one of the worst humanitarian crises including food and medicine shortages. India has civilisational ties with Afghans and has always come to their aid, irrespective of the political dispensation there.

As per the report by Bhutan Live, despite Iran facing international sanctions, India has not abandoned Iran. As a responsible state, India is continuing with its commitment to developing the Chabahar port which will help not only India gain access to Central Asia but will also improve Iran’s economic prospects such as through better trade and employment opportunities for local people.

For Sri Lanka, although the aid package has been slashed from Rs. 200 Crore to Rs. 150 Crore, India is already helping Sri Lanka tide over its worst economic and financial crisis since independence. India has thus far extended aid worth over $ 4 billion to help the island nation manage immediate and urgent needs such as that payment for essential commodities, medicines, fuel and food items.

India has also shown its largesse by restructuring the debt to enable Sri Lanka to get a bailout package from the IMF worth $2.9 billion.

The Bhutan Live reported that the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan shares unique and time-tested traditionally close ties, characterized by utmost trust, goodwill and mutual understanding. Consequent to such a powerful bond, the aid package for Bhutan has also increased, despite the general cut in the budget for foreign aid. India has been Bhutan’s foremost development partner.

India has been a consistent supporter of Bhutan’s socio-economic development, best reflected in their hydropower cooperation, a sector that is the primary driver of Bhutan’s economy contributing 14% to its GDP.

India began providing aid to Bhutan for its socioeconomic development since the 1960s. Since the launch of Bhutan’s Five-Year Plans, India has been its principal development partner. The lion’s share of Bhutan’s total external grant is borne by India. For instance, for the current 12th Five-Year Plan (2018-23) of Bhutan, India’s contribution of Rs. 4,500 crore constitutes 73% of the total external grant to Bhutan.

The key areas where India provides aid to Bhutan include agriculture and irrigation development, industrial development, health, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), energy, civil aviation, human resource development, urban development, road transport, scholarship, education, culture and capacity building.

Thus, it is the whole gamut of developmental sectors where India has been supporting Bhutan’s socio-economic development through its aid contribution.

India funded Bhutan’s entire first (1961-66) and second (1967-72) Five Year Plans. Between 2000 and 2017, India has given aid amounting to USD 4.7 Billion to Bhutan. In the current Five Year Plan, i.e. 12th FYP, Indian assistance is helping Bhutan implement numerous development projects. These include 51 large and immediate projects and 359 Small Development Projects or what is known as High Impact Community Development Projects.

India is also Bhutan’s largest trade partner, accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade. The trade figures have seen a steady rise from $484 million in 2014-15 to $1.42 billion in 2021-22. Under the ambit of the Agreement on Trade, Transit and Commerce, 1972, India allows Bhutan to carry our free trade and commerce through its territory, and vice versa. By being its largest source of FDI (~ 51% of the total FDIs to Bhutan), India supports its economic growth and sustainable development.

Hydropower is the backbone of Bhutan’s economy, and the role of India’s aid in the development of this sector is notable. For instance, the very first hydropower project in Bhutan in 1988 – the Chukha hydropower plant – was funded totally by India, of which 60% of the funding was in the form of aid. Similarly, huge aid was given by India for other hydropower projects like Kuricchu and tala projects. The current hydropower projects such as Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu I & II also have considerable aid components from India.

The allocation of India’s foreign aid reflects India’s emphasis on its Neighbourhood First policy as well as being a responsible leading power and a voice for the Global South. Through its diversified basket of fund allocation, India has tried to induce developmental agenda across the developing and least developed countries in an equitable fashion. This sprouts from India’s belief in the noble notion of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the whole world being one family. (ANI)

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