This Is India’s Century: Bhutan PM Tobgay Reflects on Deep Ties with India

New Delhi, October 22, 2024: At the ‘NDTV World Summit 2024: The India Century,’ Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shared heartfelt insights into his long-standing connection with India. In a personal revelation, he disclosed that he was not only educated in India but was also born in Kalimpong, West Bengal, during a period when his parents were stationed there.

“I’ll tell you a secret, in fact, my Bhutanese colleagues here also don’t know; I was born in India. 1965, I was born in Kalimpong. My father was serving in Kalimpong, my parents were serving – I was born there, right?” Tobgay shared, reflecting on the early roots of his connection with the country.

Tobgay emphasized that his formative years in India played a crucial role in shaping his dedication to serving Bhutan, its people, and its king. He elaborated on the enduring educational ties between Bhutan and India, highlighting how many Bhutanese, including himself, received their education in Indian schools due to a lack of institutions back home during that time. “From kindergarten school, from baby class till class 10, I studied in India, as indeed many other Bhutanese studied in India those days, because we did not have enough schools in Bhutan. But when we did establish schools, we did not have enough teachers, and those teachers came from India,” he said.

Tobgay lauded the quality of education he and other Bhutanese received, attributing it to the Indian teachers who played a significant role in their learning. “I do believe they have taught us well, because we have been able to go back home and serve our King and country and our people,” he added.

Addressing India’s global influence, Tobgay praised the country’s robust economic growth and leadership. “The world needs India, and I’m very happy that you identify this century as India’s century. By every measure, yes, this is India’s century. But by one measure you stand out, and that is leadership. India’s leadership, and trust in that leadership,” he remarked.

The Bhutanese PM pointed to India’s impressive economic metrics, including its growing population and dynamic consumer base, to underscore why this century belongs to India. “India has a booming economy – it’s crossed 3 trillion US Dollars. It should have crossed 5 trillion US Dollars had it not been for COVID. India has the biggest consumer base,” he observed.

The summit provided a platform for Tobgay to reflect on India’s evolving role as a regional powerhouse and a global leader, further solidifying its position on the world stage. His speech highlighted the mutual respect and long-standing ties between India and Bhutan, emphasizing how both nations continue to learn and grow together.