Well, I am a Bhutanese, studying abroad and like any other Bhutanese, I am proud of my country and our Kings. I am also very much in awe of the kind of relationship that we share and cherish with our neighbour India. But, its also true that not many in India are still aware of where Bhutan is. I did my undergraduate program from a university in India and surprisingly my professors, who had a string of PhDs with their name tags, had to scratch their foreheads for a minute or two before launching into all kinds of guess-modes!
As observed by one of the leading South Asia analysts (an Indian), the coronation event next door was completely ignored by Indian media - particularly, TV news channels - despite the fact that some important diplomats were in attendance, led by the president.
As for the tourism rates, its relatively high only as a means by our government to bring in well-heeled high-end tourist who are genuinely interested, and to keep out the backpackers. But for Indians, I guess, these do not apply and they don't necessary have to visit Bhutan via tour operators and in organized groups as is mandatory for all other foreign nationalities. Just hop in into your Tata Sumos and drive up. You are all welcome.
