Dilip Cherian | Bhutan's Order of Merit to ex-IAS showcases India-Bhutan ties
Deccan ChronicleRetired Punjab IAS officer Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh’s recent award of Bhutan’s National Order of Merit gold medal not only signifies her exceptional contributions to Bhutan’s healthcare but also gains significance in the context of India’s ties with the mountain kingdom and China’s increasing engagement with Bhutan. As the first Indian to serve as the regional director of WHO Southeast Asia, Dr Khetrapal Singh’s recognition exemplifies India’s commitment to global health leadership. The timing of the award, coinciding with Bhutan’s National Day celebration and the announcement of the Gelephu “mindfulness” mega-city project in the presence of a large Indian contingent is being seen as quite significant. India’s proactive engagement in healthcare and development in Bhutan assumes significance, and its involvement in the country’s ambitious projects symbolises a strategic response to reinforce India’s regional leadership.
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