Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid tribute to late Indian PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away last week at the age of 92. Tobgay visited the Indian Embassy in Thimpu and signed the condolence book, thanking Singh for his unwavering support and personal friendship. Singh, who is considered as the architect of Indian economic reform, played a crucial role in the successful launch of the 11th Five Year Plan for Bhutan during his tenure. Despite their political differences, Singh's support and cooperation were instrumental in the plan's swift implementation.
Bhutan Honors Late Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
The Kingdom of Bhutan recently paid tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, visited the Indian Embassy in Thimphu and signed the condolence book, expressing gratitude for Singh's unwavering support and personal friendship.
Background on Bhutan-India Relations
Bhutan and India share a close historical, cultural, and economic relationship. The two countries signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in 1949, which established a special bond between them. India has been a major development partner for Bhutan, providing financial and technical assistance for various projects.
Manmohan Singh's Role in Bhutan
Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was a significant period for Bhutan-India relations. Singh, who is widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms, played a crucial role in the launch of Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan. The plan aimed to accelerate economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance human development.
Singh's support and cooperation were instrumental in the successful implementation of the plan. He also promoted closer economic ties between Bhutan and India, including initiatives such as the Bhutan-India Joint Economic Commission.
Bhutan's Tribute to Singh
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said in a statement, "Prime Minister Singh was a true friend of Bhutan. His unwavering support and personal friendship have had a profound impact on our nation."
Tobgay also noted the deep respect and admiration Singh had for the Bhutanese people and their culture. He added, "Bhutan will forever cherish the memory of this great leader who touched the lives of millions."
FAQs
1. What was Manmohan Singh's significance to Bhutan?
Manmohan Singh was instrumental in the launch of Bhutan's 11th Five Year Plan and played a key role in promoting economic cooperation between Bhutan and India.
2. How has Bhutan honored Singh's legacy?
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited the Indian Embassy in Thimphu and signed the condolence book, expressing gratitude for Singh's support and friendship.
3. What are the current relations between Bhutan and India?
The two countries maintain close ties, with India continuing to be a major development partner for Bhutan.
4. What is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation?
This treaty was signed in 1949 and established a special bond between Bhutan and India, providing a framework for cooperation in various areas.
5. How has India contributed to Bhutan's economic growth?
India has provided financial assistance, technical expertise, and trade opportunities that have helped accelerate Bhutan's economic development.
On July 18th each year, people around the world come together to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected president. This day of commemoration marks Mandela's 67 years of selfless public service and his unwavering commitment to fighting against discrimination and injustice. Through initiatives such as the 46664 concerts and the Nelson Mandela foundations, the message of peace, reconciliation, and equality continue to be spread globally.
On July 18, 2025, people all over the globe will celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day in honor of the former South African president who dedicated 67 years of his life to public service. This day is a recognition of Mandela's remarkable legacy, as he led a nonviolent and resilient resistance against the oppressive apartheid regime, promoting freedom, justice, and human rights. In 2009, the United Nations officially declared this day to highlight Mandela's contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. Today, this day also serves as a reminder to promote the values of peace, reconciliation, and equality.
India's first indigenously built diving support vessel, Nistar, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Friday. This marks a significant step in enhancing India's submarine rescue capabilities and establishes it as a preferred partner in this field globally. The vessel has state-of-the-art technology and can rescue and evacuate personnel from up to 300 meters deep, making it a valuable addition to the Indian Navy's fleet. The commissioning ceremony was attended by top naval officials and the Minister of State for Defence, who highlighted the vessel's importance in showcasing India's growing prowess as a naval power.
In a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation, the US State Department has designated the Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move makes financing, aiding, advising, and helping TRF a crime under US law. The Indian government has welcomed this decision and acknowledges the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. TRF has been involved in various terror activities, including the deadly attack on civilians in Pahalgam, for which it has claimed responsibility twice. This action shows the Trump administration's commitment to enforcing justice for the Pahalgam attack and protecting national security interests.
In a significant development for India's maritime prowess, the country's first indigenous Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar, has been commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. With advanced dive systems and rescue capabilities, Nistar is set to position India as a preferred partner for submarine rescue globally. Its name, which means "liberation" in Sanskrit, reflects its purpose as a lifeline for deep-sea divers, and with its cutting-edge equipment, Nistar is poised to lead the charge in the marine-based industry.
India's first indigenous diving support vessel, INS Nistar, will be officially commissioned in Visakhapatnam on July 18th. The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, is a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance. With over 80% indigenous content, the vessel showcases India's ability to design and develop complex defence platforms. Equipped with advanced systems and capabilities, INS Nistar will provide crucial support to deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations in the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command.
The US Department of State has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar praised the move, which is seen as a further strengthening of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. The TRF is an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has been involved in propaganda, recruitment, infiltration, and smuggling of weapons and narcotics from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. The group gained attention in 2020 after multiple clashes with Indian security forces. The designation comes after the Indian government declared the TRF a terrorist organization in 2023 following the revocation of Kashmir's special status and the LeT's decline in 2018.
The United States has expressed disapproval over Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which have caused casualties and heightened tensions in the region. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called for dialogue between the two countries and a ceasefire to be reached. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claims their actions were to protect their citizens and the Druze minority, with the situation further complicated by armed clashes between local tribes and the Syrian government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that a resolution has been reached between Israel and Syria, hopefully bringing an end to the crisis.
As Israeli fighter jets launched waves of airstrikes over Damascus, tensions between Israel and Syria increased, with the conflict now infiltrating the heart of Syria's capital. The airstrikes were aimed at halting the advance of Syrian forces in the southern province of Sweida, a region at the center of the country's Druse minority. Amidst the chaos and panic, at least one civilian was killed and 18 others injured, while eyewitnesses described extensive damage in the government district. Israel has also confirmed strikes in Sweida itself, targeting Syrian soldiers and military infrastructure. The region is a stronghold of Syria's Druse community, causing concern for their safety as clashes break out.
The World Day for International Justice, celebrated on July 17, commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998 and the establishment of the International Criminal Court. This crucial judicial body prosecutes individuals responsible for serious crimes such as genocide and human rights violations. The observance serves to highlight the global community's commitment to upholding justice and protecting human rights, and advocates for greater accountability and reparations for victims. Through the ICC, nations are encouraged to pursue justice even when national legal systems fail to do so.