On behalf of Bhutan, the Gyalpoi Zimpon Ugyen K Namgyel offered khadar to the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela in Thimphu yesterday as Indians observed the 76th Independence Day.

Foreign Secretary Pema Choden and other senior government officials joined the Indian community to mark the occasion.

Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela read out the message from President Droupadi Murmu to the gathering.

President Droupadi Murmu stated that August 15 was a day when Indians freed themselves from the shackles of colonial rulers and decided to reshape their destiny.

“It is a cause of celebration not only for all of us but also for every advocate of democracy around the world. We bow to all those men and women who made enormous sacrifices to make it possible for us to live in a free India,” President Droupadi Murmu stated.

Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela said that Bhutan and India share extraordinary close ties of friendship and cooperation that are deeply rooted in history and underpinned by utmost goodwill, mutual trust and understanding at all levels.  Ambassador also said he looks forward to working together to build on the firm foundations of Bhutan-India close partnership and to advance it further across sectors, responding to new opportunities and challenges of our times.