Bhutan has thanked the government of India for its continued support amid the pandemic

Indicating categorically that for India, ‘Neighbourhood First’ is not merely a policy but an initiative which is premised on humanitarian consideration, Ruchira Kamboj, Indian ambassador to Thimpu on Thursday handed over medical consignment containing a portable digital x-ray machine to Foreign Minister of Bhutan Tandi Dorji.

The machine will be utilized for conducting critical health services in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Besides, India is collaborating with Bhutan for conducting Phase-III trials of the COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

“Today, I was humbled to hand over a digital X-ray machine from the Government of India to the Government of Bhutan. We stand with Bhutan and hope to move past this, together

#Covid_19,” Kamboj said in a tweet.


Dorji appreciated the efforts of the government of India and expressed his gratitude for receiving the medical consignment on social media.

“Happy to receive a Skanmobile DR mobile X-ray unit from Ambassador @RuchiraKamboj earlier today. I would like to thank GoI for the continued support,” Bhutan Foreign Minister said in a tweet.

Since March 2020, the Government of India has delivered seven consignments of essential medicines such as Paracetamol, Cetrizine, Hydroxychloroquine, and medical equipment such as PPE kits, N95 masks, RT-PCR test kits, x-ray machine to Bhutan.
India has continued to deliver essential medical supplies to Bhutan reflecting the strong friendship between both sides. Going forward, India will continue to extend all possible support to Bhutan to minimize the health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Embassy in Bhutan reiterated in a statement.

The bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan was established in 1968 and since then both sides have continued to provide support to each further strengthened by high-level visits.

Both countries have started an air transport bubble for the movement of people between the countries. Druk Air, which is the flag carrier of Bhutan, operated the first flight from Paro to Bagdogra in West Bengal on October 1.