00:00Mr. Prime Minister of Bhutan.
00:05Other dignitaries, and my dear brothers and sisters of Bhutan.
00:15Kuzizong Pola.
00:30Today is a very important day for Bhutan, for the Bhutanese royal family, and for all those who believe in world peace.
01:00For centuries, India and Bhutan have shared a deeply spiritual and cultural bond, and therefore, it was India's and my commitment to participate in this important occasion.
01:26However, I come here today with a heavy heart.
01:30The horrific incident that occurred in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone.
01:44I
01:45understand the grief of the affected families.
01:55Today, the entire nation stands with them.
01:57I was in touch all night long with all the agencies investigating this incident, as well as with all the important people.
02:12Discussions were ongoing, and
02:20information was being pieced together.
02:24Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy.
02:33The perpetrators behind it will
02:41Not be spared
02:45All those responsible will be brought to justice.
02:53Friends, today, with the blessings of Guru Padma Sambhav, the Global Peace Prayer Festival is being held here.
03:14On the other side, the relics of Lord Buddha are being worshipped.
03:29And along with all this, we are witnessing the 70th birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth King.
03:44The dignified presence of so many people at this event
03:58Reflects the strength of India and Bhutan, reflects the strength of the ties between India and Bhutan.
04:09Friends, in India, the inspiration of our ancestors is
04:17Vasudhava Katumbakam, meaning the whole world is one family.
04:32We say Sarv Bhavantu Sukuna, meaning may everyone be happy on this earth.
04:42We say Da Shanti Hai.
04:48Antariksham Shanti Hai Prithvi Shanti Hai Aap Shanti.
05:01Aushidhe Shanti, meaning may peace prevail in the entire universe, sky, space, earth, water, medicines, plants, and all living beings.
05:11With these sentiments, India has joined Bhutan's Global Peace Prayer Festival today.
05:29Today, saints from across the world are praying together for world peace, and the prayers of 1.4 billion Indians are also included in it.
05:47However, many people here may not be aware of this.
05:54The forest city where I was born is a sacred land steeped in Buddhist tradition, and Varanasi, my place of work, is also a pinnacle of Buddhist devotion.
06:01Therefore, attending this ceremony is special.
06:08I pray that this lamp of peace illuminates every home in Bhutan around the world.
06:09The forest city where I was born is a sacred land steeped in Buddhist tradition, and Varanasi, my place of work, is also a pinnacle of Buddhist devotion.
06:15Therefore, attending this ceremony is special.
06:27I pray that this lamp of peace illuminates every home in Bhutan around the world.
06:34Friends, the life of His Majesty the 4th King of Bhutan is a blend of wisdom, simplicity, courage, and selfless service to the nation.
06:57He assumed great responsibility at the young age of 16.
07:17He gave his country a fatherly affection and led it forward with a vision.
07:20During his 34-year reign, he carried both Bhutan's heritage and development together.
07:49From establishing democratic systems in Bhutan to establishing peace in border areas, His Majesty played a pivotal role.
08:04The concept of gross national happiness, which you introduced, has
08:14become a key parameter for defining growth across the world.
08:25You have demonstrated that nation-building is not driven solely by GDP, but by the well-being of humanity.
08:36Friends, he has also played a significant role in strengthening the friendship between India and Bhutan.
08:48The foundation you have laid is the foundation upon which our friendship continues to flourish.
08:58On behalf of all Indians, I extend my best wishes to His Majesty and pray for his good health and long life.
09:17Friends, India and Bhutan are connected not just by borders but also by cultures.
09:29Our relationship is one of values, emotions, peace, and progress.
09:40After taking oath as prime minister in 2014, I had the opportunity to visit Bhutan on my first foreign trip.
09:54Even today, when I remember that trip, my heart fills with emotion.
10:04The relationship between India and Bhutan is so strong and rich.
10:10We stood together in times of difficulty.
10:17We faced challenges together, and today, as we embark on the journey towards progress and prosperity, our bond continues to strengthen.
10:32His Majesty the King is leading Bhutan to new heights.
10:44The partnership of trust and development between India and Bhutan is a great model for this entire vision.
11:00Friends, today, as both our countries are progressing rapidly, our energy partnership is further accelerating this growth.
11:15The foundation of the India-Bhutan hydropower partnership was laid under the leadership of His Majesty the Fourth King.
11:29Both His Majesty the Fourth King and His Majesty the Fifth King have advanced the vision of sustainable development and environment first in Bhutan.
11:46Building on this vision, Bhutan has become the world's first carbon-negative country.
11:55This is an extraordinary achievement.
12:02Today, Bhutan also ranks among the world's leading countries in per capita renewable energy generation.
12:15Friends, Bhutan generates 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.
12:24Today, another major step is being taken to expand this capacity.
12:30Today, we are launching a new hydroelectric project of over 1,000 MW in Bhutan.
12:41This has increased Bhutan's hydropower capacity by 40%.
12:52Furthermore, work on another long stalled hydropower project is also about to resume.
13:05And our partnership isn't limited to hydropower.
13:11We are also taking major steps together in solar energy, and important agreements related to this have been signed today.
13:26Friends, along with energy cooperation, our focus is also on increasing connectivity between India and Bhutan.
13:41We all know that connectivity creates opportunity, and opportunity creates prosperity.
13:53With this goal, a decision has been made to connect the cities of Galibu and Samit to India's vast rail network in the future.
14:09With this project completed, the industry here and Bhutanese farmers will have easier access to India's vast market.
14:24Friends, rail and road connectivity, along with this, we are also rapidly progressing on border infrastructure.
14:36His Majesty has initiated work on the vision of the Galibu mindful city.
14:41India is providing all possible support for this as well.
14:51I am making another important announcement from this platform today.
14:55In the coming time, India will also be establishing an immigration checkpoint near Ghelifu.
15:11To further facilitate visitors and investors.
15:18Friends, the progress and prosperity of India and Bhutan are intertwined.
15:30And in this spirit, last year the government of India announced a contribution of 1,000 crore rupees for Bhutan's five-year plan.
15:47This fund is being used in every sector, from roads to agriculture, finance to healthcare, thereby improving the ease of living for Bhutanese citizens.
16:04In the past, India has undertaken several initiatives to ensure a steady supply of essential goods to the people of Bhutan.
16:16And now, the facility of UPI payments is also expanding here.
16:25We are also working towards ensuring that Bhutanese citizens also have access to UPI upon their visit to India.
16:36Friends, our youth are benefiting the most from this strong partnership between India and Bhutan.
16:49His Majesty is doing excellent work in the field of national service, foreign service, and innovation.
17:03His Majesty's vision of empowering youth, his vision of making them tech-enabled, is inspiring Bhutanese youth on a large scale.
17:19Cooperation between India and Bhutan's youth is growing in many sectors, including education, innovation, skill development, sports, space, and culture.
17:32Today, our youth are also building a satellite together.
17:39This is a significant achievement for both India and Bhutan.
17:45Friends, a major strength of India-Bhutan relations is the spiritual connection between our peoples.
17:55Two months ago, the Royal Botanical Temple was inaugurated in Rajgir, India.
18:10Now, this initiative is expanding to other parts of India.
18:17The people of Bhutan desired a Bhutanese temple and guesthouse in Varanasi.
18:25The Indian government is providing the necessary land for this.
18:32Through these temples, we are further strengthening our precious and historical cultural ties.
18:40Friends, I wish that India and Bhutan continue on the path of peace, prosperity, and shared progress.
18:55May the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche remain upon both our countries.
19:12Once again, I express my deep gratitude to all of you.
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