Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Thimphu on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to Bhutan aimed at deepening the close and historic partnership between the two neighbouring nations. He was received with a warm welcome by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay at Paro International Airport.
PM Modi’s visit, scheduled from November 11 to 12, includes several official engagements and participation in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan. He will also join celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
“Landed in Bhutan. Grateful to Prime Minister Tobgay for the warm and gracious welcome at the airport. This visit reflects the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation shared between our two nations. India and Bhutan enjoy a time-tested partnership anchored in trust, goodwill and mutual respect. I look forward to further strengthening our close ties during this visit,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Before departing from Delhi, PM Modi said it was an honour to be part of the celebrations in Bhutan and added that the visit would mark a significant milestone in the India-Bhutan energy cooperation with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project.
“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 Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan reflects our two countries’ deep-rooted civilisational and spiritual ties,” he said.
The Punatsangchhu-II project is one of the largest Indo-Bhutan hydropower collaborations and a key element of their long-standing energy partnership.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and Prime Minister Tobgay to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in energy, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen their special partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
“India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, rooted in deep mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill. Our partnership is a key pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy and a model for friendly relations between neighbouring countries,” the MEA said.
India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, described the visit as a “significant and symbolic occasion” that coincides with major national and spiritual events in Bhutan, underscoring the closest partnership between the two countries.
