Himachal Strengthens Indo-Bhutan Ties: CM Sukhu Hands Over 5,000 Chilgoza Seedlings to Bhutan Government.
Shimla:
In a gesture symbolizing deep-rooted friendship and growing environmental cooperation, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu handed over 5,000 Chilgoza (pine nut) seedlings to the Government of Bhutan during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The Bhutanese delegation, led by Tashi Peldon, Deputy Chief of Mission, Royal Bhutanese Embassy, and Chimi Wangmo, Minister Counselor, called on the Chief Minister in Shimla to discuss mutual relations and the historic Indo-Bhutan friendship agreement.
Symbol of Friendship and Environmental Cooperation
The Chief Minister remarked that the relationship between India and Bhutan has always been warm and cooperative, rooted in the Treaty of Friendship signed in 1949 and renewed in 2007. He said that Himachal Pradesh was proud to contribute to strengthening this bond through the handing over of Chilgoza seedlings to Bhutan’s Department of Forests and Park Services.
“This is a token of friendship from the people of Himachal Pradesh,” said CM Sukhu. “We are glad to support Bhutan in its afforestation and ecological initiatives.”
The Chief Minister also announced that an additional 50 kilograms of Chilgoza seeds, collected by Self-Help Groups under the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) project, will be provided to Bhutan in October 2025.
About Chilgoza and Its Importance
CM Sukhu explained that the Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) is a unique and valuable species found in Kinnaur, as well as Pangi and Bharmour regions of Chamba district. These seeds not only possess high medicinal value and antioxidant properties, but they are also a major source of livelihood for the people of tribal Himachal. Chilgoza nuts fetch premium prices in national and international markets, and their cultivation is closely tied to rural and tribal economies.
Offering further collaboration, the Chief Minister extended technical support to the Bhutanese government for the successful plantation and nurturing of the Chilgoza saplings.
Bhutan’s Appreciation
Deputy Chief of Mission Tashi Peldon expressed gratitude on behalf of the Royal Government of Bhutan, thanking the Himachal Pradesh government for the generous gesture. She stated that such acts of goodwill would go a long way in deepening bilateral relations between the two Himalayan regions.
Senior Officials Present
The meeting was attended by:
- K.K. Pant, Additional Chief Secretary
- Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to the Chief Minister
- Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
This initiative not only underlines Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to international cooperation in environmental sustainability but also positions the State as a key player in promoting eco-diplomacy and transboundary forest collaboration.
