Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day State visit to Bhutan starting Tuesday, reaffirming the deep-rooted spiritual, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s visit coincides with the exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India. He 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.
Buddhism remains a cornerstone of India-Bhutan relations. Thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims regularly visit Buddhist sites in India, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sarnath, and Sikkim.
To mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, Bhutan recently consecrated a temple in Rajgir, with a revered statue of Zhabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, loaned by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata.
PM Modi’s visit also carries historical significance. He first visited Bhutan in 2014, his maiden overseas trip as Prime Minister, followed by another visit in 2019.
During his 2024 visit, Bhutan conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on PM Modi, its highest civilian honour.
The award recognised his efforts to strengthen India-Bhutan friendship and enhance India’s global stature.
Instituted as Bhutan’s highest lifetime achievement award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo takes precedence over all national honours.
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck had announced the conferment in 2021 during the 114th National Day celebrations.
PM Modi and the Bhutanese King will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project during the visit.
The project marks a major milestone in India-Bhutan energy cooperation.
PM Modi will also participate in celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
About 50,000 Indians currently work in Bhutan in sectors like infrastructure, hydropower, education, and trade. Their presence reflects the strong people-to-people connection that defines the India-Bhutan partnership.
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