PM Narendra Modi in Bhutan: Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties, Launching Hydro Project, and Celebrating Royal Milestone
PM Narendra Modi in Bhutan for a two-day visit to strengthen India-Bhutan ties, inaugurate a key hydro project, and mark the Fourth King’s 70th birthday.
TheInterviewTimes.com | Thimphu, Bhutan – November 11, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, marking his fourth trip to the Himalayan kingdom since 2014. Invited by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the visit aims to deepen the “unique and enduring” India-Bhutan partnership, rooted in mutual trust, shared spiritual heritage, and cooperation in energy, economy, and culture.
PM Narendra Modi in Bhutan: Key Points
- PM Narendra Modi in Bhutan for a two-day official visit to reinforce bilateral partnership.
- Joint inauguration of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
- Modi joins celebrations marking the 70th birthday of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
- Attends the Global Peace Prayer Festival, honoring Buddhist heritage and cultural links.
- Focus on enhancing ties in energy, connectivity, education, and youth engagement.
Warm Welcome and Strategic Significance
Prime Minister Modi was greeted at Paro Airport by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who personally received him. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi thanked the Bhutanese people for their “warm and gracious welcome,” calling the India-Bhutan friendship “anchored in trust, goodwill, and mutual respect.”
The visit is part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, reflecting the country’s strategic emphasis on its Himalayan neighbor as a key partner in regional stability and sustainable development.
Speaking in Thimphu, Bhutan. Watch. https://t.co/nLu0f5q5WY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2025
Honoring the Fourth King’s 70th Birthday
A central highlight of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan was participation in the celebrations of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 70th birth anniversary—the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and father of the current King. Events held at Changlimethang Stadium in Thimphu honored the monarch’s leadership in Bhutan’s democratic transformation. Modi called it “an honor to join the people of Bhutan in celebrating their beloved King’s vision and legacy.”
Inauguration of Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project
The most significant announcement of the visit was the joint inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a 1,020 MW India-Bhutan venture that strengthens both nations’ clean energy collaboration.
Developed jointly by India and Bhutan, the project is expected to boost Bhutan’s hydropower generation by about 40%, making India the primary importer of surplus energy. Hydropower already accounts for nearly 40% of Bhutan’s national revenue.
Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, described it as “a symbol of friendship that lights both nations’ homes and hearts.”
Global Peace Prayer Festival and Cultural Bond
During his stay, PM Modi in Bhutan attended the Global Peace Prayer Festival, organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan. At Tashichhodzong, he offered prayers before the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, sent from India for public veneration from November 12–17.
The relics’ exhibition marks a spiritual reaffirmation of India-Bhutan’s shared Buddhist heritage, with Modi stating that “Buddha’s teachings form a sacred link between our nations.”
High-Level Talks and New Agreements
Prime Minister Modi held extensive discussions with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fourth King, and Prime Minister Tobgay. Talks covered:
- Energy cooperation and new hydropower projects.
- Infrastructure and connectivity, including the Kokrajhar–Gelephu and Banarhat–Samtse rail links.
- Youth and education exchange programs.
- New MoUs in technology, digital connectivity, and cultural collaboration.
Modi also addressed the Indian community in Bhutan, expressing gratitude for their contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. A state banquet hosted by the Bhutanese Royal Family further underscored the warmth of the partnership.
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India-Bhutan Relations: A Model of Friendship
India and Bhutan share one of South Asia’s most stable and trusted bilateral relationships. Modi’s first foreign visit as Prime Minister in 2014 was to Bhutan, symbolizing the importance of the relationship.
In 2024, he was awarded Bhutan’s highest civilian honor — the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. Bhutan remains the largest recipient of India’s development assistance, with major investments in hydropower, digital initiatives, and education.
The visit comes amid Bhutan’s ongoing border negotiations with China, further reinforcing India’s position as Bhutan’s closest and most dependable ally.
Looking Ahead
Before departing, Modi said the visit would “deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen efforts toward shared prosperity.” He also announced India’s support for a Bhutanese temple and guest house in Varanasi, reflecting deep cultural ties.
As PM Narendra Modi’s Bhutan visit continues through November 12, both nations are expected to unveil fresh initiatives in clean energy, cross-border infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy — reaffirming a partnership that stands as a model of regional cooperation and mutual respect.