Commemorating the golden jubilee celebration of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India, Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu graced the opening of the Bhutan Week at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi, India yesterday.

Cabinet and foreign secretaries and other senior officials accompanied Her Majesty.

Over 300 participants from Bhutan are showcasing Bhutan’s rich culture and ways of life. There are fifteen themes including Bhutan’s 13 form of arts and crafts, masked and folk dances, spiritual heritage, films, cuisine, tourism and trade, among others.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India. Diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India was established in 1968.

Her Majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in the opening remarks, said: “India is not just a neighbour, but also a close and special friend. Our ties are strong and our relations are exemplary, built around mutual trust, respect, and understanding”.

Her Majesty said the event would promote greater understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Vice President Naidu said that celebration of the Bhutan Week was a special tribute to political leadership in India and Their Majesties the Kings of Bhutan for laying strong foundation of the unique partnership between the two countries.

The Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi with the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and IGNCA are organising the Bhutan Week in India.

The weeklong programme will conclude on September 30.

Ugyen Dorji | New Delhi