Bhutan holds nationwide prayers and flags fly at half-mast to honour Manmohan Singh
text_fieldsBhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attended the funeral of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday, following a series of nationwide tributes.
The Himalayan nation held special prayer ceremonies across all 20 Dzongkhags (districts) and lowered national flags to half-mast as a mark of respect for the late Indian leader, the Bhutanese government confirmed.
In Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, a thousand butter lamps were lit at the Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong monastery during a prayer ceremony led by the King. The gathering included Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Indian Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, members of the Royal family, and senior Bhutanese officials.
The government shared that the prayers were a gesture of solidarity with India and its people. "All national flags across the country and at Bhutan's embassies, missions, and consulates abroad are being flown at half-mast," stated an official social media post from Bhutan's government on Friday.
On Saturday, King Wangchuck traveled to Delhi to pay his respects at Dr. Singh’s funeral held at the Nigambodh Ghat cremation ground. Dr. Singh, renowned for his role in shaping India’s economic reforms and serving as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Dr. Singh's tenure saw significant progress in India-Bhutan relations, rooted in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was renewed in 2007 under his leadership. The ties between the two nations are built on mutual trust and cooperation, with hydro-power collaboration being a cornerstone of the partnership.
The 2006 bilateral hydro-power agreement and its 2009 Protocol were key milestones during Dr. Singh’s tenure, further cementing Bhutan-India relations. These initiatives underscored his commitment to fostering regional partnerships based on mutual benefit.