PM Modi Highlights Key Outcomes In Energy, Healthcare & Connectivity To Strengthen India–Bhutan Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Bhutan on Wednesday, receiving a warm send-off from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The visit reinforced India’s enduring friendship with Bhutan and paved the way for deeper collaboration in key development sectors.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “My visit to Bhutan has taken place when the people of this nation are marking various landmark programmes. It is the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Global Peace Prayer Festival is ongoing and special Buddha relics from India are here.”

He further added, “The outcomes in sectors like energy, healthcare and connectivity will add momentum to our bilateral partnership. My gratitude to the people and Government of Bhutan. I am grateful to His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for coming to the airport as I board for Delhi.”

During the visit, both sides signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing cooperation in renewable energy, healthcare, and mental health capacity building.

The MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation, signed between Bhutan’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering and India’s New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, seeks to institutionalise engagement in solar, wind, biomass, energy storage, and green hydrogen.

It also aims to build expertise through joint research and capacity development.

Another MoU in Health and Medicine was signed to promote collaboration in maternal health, treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases, diagnostics, traditional medicine, and digital health, including telemedicine and joint research.

A third MoU between Bhutan’s PEMA Secretariat and India’s NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) focuses on building institutional linkages for capacity building of mental health professionals and developing in-country training programmes to strengthen Bhutan’s healthcare ecosystem.

Cultural and Spiritual Connect

Earlier, PM Modi joined the Bhutanese King and the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, at the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Time’ Empowerment Ceremony held at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival.

Over 30,000 devotees and scholars, including international visitors, attended the event, which was presided over by Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, Je Khenpo.

PM Modi described the experience as an ‘honour’, noting its deep cultural and spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide.

His participation in the festival, coinciding with the display of Lord Buddha’s relics from India, reflected the shared spiritual heritage that continues to underpin the India–Bhutan relationship.

Celebrating Bhutan’s Milestones

During his meeting with His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, PM Modi conveyed greetings on his 70th birth anniversary, appreciating his lifelong contribution to strengthening India–Bhutan ties.

Modi also lauded Bhutan’s development initiatives, such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which aligns closely with India’s Act East Policy and aims to promote sustainable and mindful urban development.

PM Modi’s visit reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to Bhutan’s growth and stability.

The agreements in renewable energy, health, and connectivity mark a new phase in bilateral cooperation, focusing on sustainable progress, capacity building, and regional interdependence.

These outcomes are likely to deepen the friendship between the two Himalayan neighbours and open new avenues for collaboration in the years to come.

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