PM Modi Arrives in Bhutan to Join Fourth King’s 70th Birthday, Inaugurate Key Hydropower Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Tuesday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and celebrating the 70th birthday of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck — one of the most revered figures in the Himalayan kingdom’s modern history.

PM Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome at Paro International Airport by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, who described him as his “elder brother” in a message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

“I join the entire nation in welcoming my elder brother Prime Minister @narendramodi to Bhutan,” PM Tobgay wrote, underscoring the warmth and informality that often defines India–Bhutan relations.

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Focus on Hydropower and Strategic Cooperation

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold meetings with King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay to review ongoing developmental and strategic projects.

A key highlight of the trip will be the joint inauguration of the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a major symbol of India–Bhutan cooperation in the power sector. The project, jointly developed and financed by India, is expected to enhance Bhutan’s electricity export capacity and strengthen regional energy connectivity.

Diplomatic sources said the two leaders are also expected to discuss border infrastructure, connectivity, and new areas of collaboration under India’s Neighbourhood First and Hydro-Diplomacy frameworks.

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Honouring the Fourth King’s Legacy

Modi will also meet His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, widely credited with ushering in Bhutan’s democratic transition and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

The Indian Prime Minister will participate in official ceremonies marking the Fourth King’s 70th birthday celebrations, reflecting India’s long-standing respect for Bhutan’s royal family and its pivotal role in the country’s development.

In a statement before departing for Thimphu, PM Modi said,

“It will be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King. I am confident that my visit will further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity.”

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Symbolic Religious Exchange

The visit also coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, brought from India to Bhutan. The relics, of great spiritual importance to both nations, are expected to draw thousands of devotees, further underscoring the civilizational and cultural linkages that form the foundation of India–Bhutan ties.

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A Relationship Rooted in Mutual Trust

India and Bhutan share a unique relationship of trust, respect, and cooperation, formalized through the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and renewed in 2007 to emphasize Bhutan’s sovereignty and India’s supportive role in its economic growth.

In his statement, Modi reaffirmed that the partnership remains a cornerstone of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, calling it “a model for friendly relations between neighbours.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on November 8 that the visit “seeks to strengthen the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries” and “add new vigour to our bilateral relations.”

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Looking Ahead

Observers view the visit as a reaffirmation of India’s strategic commitment to Bhutan amid growing geopolitical interest in the Himalayan region. Bhutan remains a vital partner for India’s regional connectivity and hydropower diplomacy, and its cooperation is seen as key to maintaining stability along the sensitive Himalayan frontier.

As celebrations unfold in Thimphu, the visit reflects both continuity and renewal in India–Bhutan relations — a friendship often described as “time-tested” but now adapting to new aspirations of energy security, youth development, and regional integration.