Bhutan PM reaches Ayodhya, to offer prayers at Ram Temple

Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay was accorded a grand welcome in Ayodhya on Friday morning after arriving from Gaya.

His special aircraft landed at Maharishi Valmiki Airport around 0935 hrs, where he was received by Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister and Ayodhya district in-charge Surya Pratap Shahi, along with senior district administration officials.

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From the airport, the visiting delegation proceeded to the Ram Mandir via the Prayagraj–Lucknow Highway.

The Bhutanese Prime Minister is scheduled to stay in Ayodhya until 1:30 pm. Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for his visit.
Bhutan PM Tobgay, accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma and Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, is on an official visit to India from September 3 to 6.

The visit began with the Consecration Ceremony of the Royal Bhutan Temple at Rajgir, Bihar, on September 4. The temple, built on land provided by the Bihar government, symbolizes the shared spiritual and cultural heritage of Buddhism between India and Bhutan.

During his stay in the national capital, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will call on the visiting dignitary. The visit will conclude on September 6.

This marks Tobgay’s second official trip to India this year. In February, he attended the inaugural Leadership Conclave of the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL), inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The MEA noted that these back-to-back visits underscore the continuing close cooperation and strengthened ties between India and Bhutan, built on trust, goodwill, and regular high-level exchanges — a hallmark of the special partnership.