NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrapped up a two-day state visit to Bhutan, further strengthening India’s partnership with the Himalayan kingdom through a blend of cultural, spiritual, and developmental initiatives.PM Modi was in Bhutan from November 11 to 12 at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Appreciated his extensive efforts over the years towards further cementing India-Bhutan ties. Discussed cooperation in energy, trade, technology and connectivity. Lauded the progress in the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which aligns with our Act East Policy.”Bhutan’s Prime Minister expressed admiration for Modi, describing him as a “spiritual master.”“An accomplished spiritual master, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated and blessed the sacred Kalachakra Empowerment which began today as part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival,” the Bhutanese leader said.During his visit, PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at the Changlimithang Stadium on November 11. The King of Bhutan also expressed gratitude for the presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India, which are currently in Thimphu for public veneration during the festival.
Bilateral ties
In a joint press release, India reaffirmed its “unwavering support” for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, including the Economic Stimulus Programme, underscoring its commitment to helping Bhutan achieve key development priorities and promote sustainable growth across sectors.During his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and held separate discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The talks covered cooperation across key sectors and regional and global issues of mutual interest.India also expressed support for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City. PM Modi announced that India would establish an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar in Assam “to facilitate easy movement of investors and visitors to Gelephu.” The King, in turn, appreciated India’s assistance in constructing the Gyalsung academies.
Bhutan’s condolences for Red Fort blast victims
During the meetings, the King conveyed condolences “on the tragic loss of precious lives in the explosion in Delhi on November 10” and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.“The Indian side appreciated the Bhutanese message of support and solidarity,” the statement said.
Development projects
A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on November 11.The ceremony, held in the presence of the Holy Piprahwa Relics, marked the commissioning of a project described as a symbol of the “friendship and exemplary cooperation” between India and Bhutan. Both sides welcomed the commencement of electricity exports from Punatsangchhu-II to India and expressed satisfaction with the progress under the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership announced in March 2024.The two countries also agreed to resume work on the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project and to expedite its completion. Once finished, it will be the largest hydroelectric project jointly developed by India and Bhutan. Bhutan also welcomed India’s announcement of a concessional Line of Credit worth INR 40 billion for energy projects.Cross-border connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides took note of the operationalisation of the Immigration Check Post at Darranga, the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park at Jogigopha, and the signing of an MoU for two railway links—Gelephu-Kokrajhar and Samtse-Banarhat—in September this year. A Project Steering Committee has been formed to oversee their implementation.
Fertilisers, STEM and culture
Bhutan expressed appreciation for India’s efforts to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and fertilisers. Both sides acknowledged the arrival of the first fertiliser consignment under the new arrangement.Cooperation in emerging sectors, including STEM, fintech and space, was also reviewed. Both sides noted progress under the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation and recognised the contributions of Indian teachers and healthcare professionals in strengthening STEM education and medical services in Bhutan.Phase II of UPI will allow Bhutanese travellers to make payments in India using local mobile apps by scanning QR codes.Cultural cooperation also featured in the discussions. The leaders welcomed the consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir and India’s decision to allocate land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house.Three Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit:
- Cooperation in Renewable Energy
- Cooperation in Health and Medicine
- Institutional linkages between the PEMA Secretariat and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS)
