Bhutan’s First Country Representative in India

Until 1970, Bhutan did not appoint any representative in India although it had established formal diplomatic relations in 1968. To further strengthen the existing friendship and expedite the process of joining the UN, His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo formally appointed Lyonpo Pema Wangchuk as Bhutan’s first Country Representative to India on 10 December 1970 and conferred ceremonial orange scarf as per the resolution of the National Assembly. Before his new appointment, Lyonpo was serving as the Lhotsham Chhichab since 1968. During his tenure, Lyonpo served with utmost dedication in fostering the friendship between the two countries.

After four years as the Country Representative in India, Lyonpo Pema Wangchuk completed his tenure towards the end of 1794. To honour his retirement, the minister for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Government of India hoisted a farewell dinner on 24 December 1974. During his tenureship as the Country Representative, the construction of the Bhutan Mission was successfully completed in Delhi and left behind deep impressions.

                      Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Lyonpo Pema Wangchuk (Photo: Kuensel, 1975)

References

Department of Information (1969). A weekly official bulletin of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Kuensel.

Department of Information (1970). A weekly official bulletin of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Kuensel.

Department of Information (1975). A weekly official bulletin of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Kuensel.