Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets the Fourth King of Bhutan in Thimphu
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received an audience with His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, during his visit to Thimphu. The Prime Minister conveyed warm felicitations on the occasion of the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty and extended best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of India for His Majesty’s continued health and well-being. The two leaders discussed the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, highlighting the spiritual and cultural bonds that unite the peoples of both nations.
Prime Minister Modi joined His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony held at Changlimithang Stadium as part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival. The ceremony was presided over by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
Joint Press Release on the State Visit to Bhutan
At the invitation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a two-day State Visit to Bhutan from 11 to 12 November 2025. He participated as the Guest of Honour in the 70th Birth Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at Changlimithang, and joined the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival, which also featured the sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha brought from India for public veneration.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held meetings with His Majesty the King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The discussions encompassed bilateral cooperation, development priorities, and regional and global issues of shared interest. His Majesty conveyed condolences on behalf of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan for the loss of lives in the Delhi explosion on 10 November 2025, while India expressed appreciation for Bhutan’s solidarity.
Support for Bhutan’s Development and Key Infrastructure Projects
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s continued support for Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan and its Economic Stimulus Programme. He emphasized India’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth across Bhutan’s economic sectors. The Bhutanese side expressed appreciation for India’s ongoing assistance in development projects and for its support toward His Majesty’s vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City. India announced the establishment of an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar, Assam, to facilitate the movement of investors and visitors to Gelephu.
In a major milestone, His Majesty the King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project on 11 November 2025. The project represents a significant symbol of cooperation in hydropower between the two nations, with electricity exports to India now commenced. Both sides welcomed the resumption of work on the main dam of the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I project and expressed commitment to its early completion. India also announced a concessional Line of Credit of INR 40 billion to support Bhutan’s energy projects.
Advancements in Connectivity, Trade, and Technology
India and Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border infrastructure. The operationalisation of the Immigration Check Post at Darranga in 2024 and the Inland Waterways Terminal and Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogigopha in 2025 were welcomed. Both sides also noted progress on the September 2025 MoU establishing cross-border rail links between Gelephu-Kokrajhar and Samtse-Banarhat, along with a new Project Steering Committee for implementation.
The Bhutanese side acknowledged India’s efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and fertilisers. The arrival of the first consignment under this new arrangement was noted as a significant step forward. Cooperation has also expanded into emerging areas such as STEM education, Fintech, and Space. Both governments welcomed the implementation of Phase II of the UPI initiative, which will allow Bhutanese visitors to make payments in India via local apps by scanning QR codes.
Strengthening Cultural and Institutional Ties
The leaders commended ongoing collaborations in education and health, including contributions from Indian teachers and nurses to Bhutan’s STEM and healthcare systems. They noted the progress of the Joint Plan of Action on Space Cooperation and appreciated institutional linkages in mental health between the PEMA Secretariat and India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences.
The two sides welcomed the consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir and India’s decision to allocate land in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house, further reinforcing shared spiritual and cultural heritage.
New Agreements Signed
During the visit, the following Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and Bhutan:
| Sector | Parties | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, RGoB & Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, GoI | Cooperation in Renewable Energy Development |
| Health and Medicine | Ministry of Health, RGoB & Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI | Strengthening Collaboration in Public Health and Medical Research |
| Mental Health | The PEMA Secretariat & National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, GoI | Building Institutional Linkages in Mental Health Services |
The visit reaffirmed the enduring friendship and mutual trust that define the India-Bhutan partnership. The leaders agreed to sustain the tradition of regular high-level exchanges to strengthen cooperation across all domains in the years ahead.