Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Thimphu in Bhutan, on Tuesday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening India’s longstanding partnership with the Himalayan nation.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by a “warm and gracious welcome” from Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at the airport early this morning.
Marking another milestone in the enduring friendship between the two neighbours, PM Modi’s visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on ways to further enhance and strengthen their bilateral partnership, and exchange views on regional and wider issues of mutual interest.
During the visit, PM Modi will receive an audience with His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and the two leaders will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a flagship symbol of India-Bhutan collaboration in sustainable energy.
The visit also coincides with the 70th birthday celebrations of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the Global Peace Prayer Festival, during which the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India are being showcased.
“It would be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King. The exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India during the organisation of the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan reflects our two countries’ deep-rooted civilisational and spiritual ties.” PM Modi said before departing for Thimphu.
PM Modi will offer prayers to the Holy Relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
“I look forward to meeting His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. I am confident that my visit will further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity,” PM Modi said.
In a post on X, he wrote, “Leaving for Bhutan, where I will attend various programmes. This visit comes at a time when Bhutan is marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King. I will be holding talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.”
“The visit will also mark another major milestone in India and Bhutan’s successful energy partnership with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project. This visit will add new vigour to our bilateral relations,” the Prime Minister said.
What is in the itinerary?
The first day of the visit, PM Modi will attend events at Changlimethang and meet the King of Bhutan. He will also take part in an MoU exchange event and attend the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II project.
The next day, he will meet Bhutan’s Fourth King and attend the Kalchakra ceremony before returning to New Delhi.
India and Bhutan share a unique and exemplary partnership, marked by deep mutual trust, goodwill, and respect. The shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people ties remain the hallmark of this special relationship.
Highlighting the significance of the visit, India’s Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya said, “The visit of PM Modi to Bhutan is poised to be highly significant, coinciding with major national and spiritual events, underscoring the ‘closest partnership’ between the two nations.”
“There is something called the Global Peace Prayer Festival, which Bhutan says is an unprecedented event… that festival is going on right now… praying for world peace and happiness. So Prime Minister of India will also be participating in the Peace Prayer Festival, along with the Bhutanese leaders,” Arya told ANI.