In a befitting gesture that underlines the deep and abiding friendship with Bhutan, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar presented 54 Mahindra XEV 9e electric SUVs to the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, in Thimphu. This gesture by the Indian Foreign Minister on his visit to the Himalayan nation signifies India’s commitment towards helping Bhutan’s transition to a greener planet. The all-electric SUVs which are ‘Made in India’ will form a part of the official fleet of vehicles of Bhutan’s Royal Government.
Being an important contributor towards clean and green mobility, the XEV 9e SUVs will add to the already existing stature of the Himalayan nation as one of the world’s most eco-friendly countries. Bhutan has always aimed toward being a carbon-neutral nation and has embarked on a path of promoting electric vehicles as a part of the 13th Five Year Plan. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jaishankar was elated to offer his help in Bhutan’s ‘e-mobility’ mission and pledged India’s support in all of Bhutan’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and growth. He added that the development partnership between India and Bhutan was growing by the day and that the two countries were working towards energy security, connectivity, and people-to-people diplomacy. In the meanwhile, the Indian Foreign Minister had a meeting with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and passed on his greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that India is all for Bhutan’s achievements and growth. The Mahindra XEV 9e SUVs signify India’s foray and growth in the field of electric vehicles.
These technologically advanced vehicles will provide a sustainable solution for the official transportation needs of Bhutan. Apart from being a pioneer in providing electric vehicles, India has gifted a number of electric cars to Bhutan as a part of bilateral ties. The visit to Bhutan by Dr. Jaishankar is yet another step by India toward Bhutan’s sustainable future.
By promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, India is not only helping Bhutan reduce its carbon footprint but also promoting a healthy and green alternative to fuel-based vehicles. The event in Thimphu once again underlined the bilateral relations between India and Bhutan with a special kind of bonding and friendship that is unique to the friendly nations. As the 54 XEV 9e SUVs roll out to serve the people of Bhutan, they signify hope, bonding, and a brighter and greener future for the people of Bhutan and India.