Thimphu, November 12 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day State Visit to Bhutan today, reaffirming the enduring friendship and development partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
At the invitation of His Majesty The King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bhutan on November 11 and was accorded a warm welcome in Thimphu. His visit coincided with the 70th Birth Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, where he joined the Bhutanese people at Changlimithang as the Guest of Honour.
During the celebrations, Prime Minister Modi also participated in the Global Peace Prayer Festival, which featured the public veneration of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India. His Majesty The King expressed appreciation for India’s gesture in bringing the sacred relics to Bhutan for the occasion.
In separate audiences with His Majesty The King and His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and during talks with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the two sides reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation between Bhutan and India and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
His Majesty conveyed heartfelt condolences and prayers on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan to the Government of India over the tragic explosion in Delhi on November 10. The Indian side, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for Bhutan’s message of support and solidarity.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development, Prime Minister Modi assured continued support for the 13th Five Year Plan, including Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Programme. He highlighted India’s partnership in advancing key priorities such as energy, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.
The Prime Minister also conveyed India’s full support for His Majesty’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), announcing the decision to open an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar (popularly known as Dadhgari), Assam, to facilitate travel for investors and visitors to Gelephu. His Majesty The King, in turn, expressed appreciation for India’s support towards the ongoing Gyalsung national service initiative.
A major highlight of the visit was the joint inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project by His Majesty and Prime Minister Modi in the presence of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The leaders hailed the commissioning of the project and the start of electricity export to India as a milestone in the two countries’ exemplary cooperation in hydropower development.
The two sides also agreed to expedite work on the main dam of the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project and welcomed India’s INR 40 billion Line of Credit for energy projects in Bhutan.
Discussions also covered enhanced connectivity, trade facilitation, and collaboration in emerging areas such as fintech, space, and digital payments. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing linkages under the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership and new agreements in renewable energy, health, and mental health cooperation.
Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi received an audience with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and attended the sacred Kalachakra Empowerment along with Their Majesties The King and Gyaltsuen, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and members of the Royal Family. The empowerment, presided over by His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo, Tulku Jigme Chhoedra, is being held at Changlimithang.
His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Prime Minister Modi, formally inaugurated the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Initiation and Empowerment, one of the most profound teachings in Vajrayana Buddhism. Thousands of devotees from across the country as well as foreigners attended the ceremony, which will continue till November 14th.
Coinciding with the first day of the empowerment, His Holiness also launched the Guru App for Chanting Bazaar Guru, a new digital platform to promote spiritual engagement among devotees.
Following the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Modi departed Bhutan, marking the conclusion of a historic and spiritually significant visit that further strengthened the bonds of friendship, faith, and shared prosperity between Bhutan and India. His Majesty The King personally saw off Prime Minister Modi at Paro International Airport, as the two-day visit drew to a close on the occasion of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s 70th Birth Anniversary.
