Prime Minister Narendra Modi met His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, in Thimphu on Wednesday, reaffirming India’s deep and enduring friendship with the Himalayan kingdom.
PM Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the Fourth King on his 70th birth anniversary, conveying India’s wishes for his continued health and happiness.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and mutual interests while acknowledging the spiritual and cultural ties that unite the peoples of India and Bhutan.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the Fourth King’s leadership and guidance in nurturing the relationship over the decades.
Spiritual and Cultural Connection
Earlier, PM Modi joined Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Fourth King during the Kalachakra initiation ceremony at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium.
The sacred event, part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival, was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot.
PM Modi further emphasised that such spiritual gatherings symbolise the timeless connection between the two nations, rooted in shared values of peace, compassion, and mutual respect.
His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who reigned from 1972 to 2006, is revered for modernising Bhutan and pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness — a philosophy that integrates development with well-being and environmental balance.
PM Modi praised the Fourth King’s visionary leadership, describing him as an inspiration for generations across the region.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also met Bhutan’s current King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, for extensive discussions covering energy, connectivity, technology, capacity building, and security cooperation.
The two leaders jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project — a significant milestone in India-Bhutan energy collaboration that strengthens Bhutan’s economy while deepening bilateral ties.
“We covered the full range of India-Bhutan relations,” PM Modi wrote on social media. “India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan’s development journey.”
Celebrating a Spiritual Legacy
As part of his visit, PM Modi paid homage to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha enshrined at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong.
India sent these relics for exposition as a special gesture to commemorate the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and the Global Peace Prayer Festival..
Moreover, the Prime Minister’s engagements in Bhutan highlighted the shared civilisational heritage and deep mutual trust between the two nations.
As he concluded his visit, PM Modi reaffirmed that India remains firmly committed to its Neighbourhood First Policy — strengthening regional harmony, partnership, and prosperity.
Also Read: PM Modi To Participate In Kalachakra Ceremony; Meet Bhutan’s Fourth King Before Returning To Delhi
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