Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan’s Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in Thimphu on 12th November, 2025, Wednesday, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi extended heartfelt felicitations to the Fourth King on the occasion of his 70th birthday, conveying warm wishes for his continued good health and happiness. “Prime Minister thanked His Majesty the Fourth King for his leadership, wisdom and guidance in further strengthening the close bonds of friendship between India and Bhutan. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, underlining the deep spiritual and cultural ties that continue to bring the peoples of the two nations closer,” the MEA stated.
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi also participated in the Kalachakra initiation ceremony at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium, alongside His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the Fourth King. The ceremony formed part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival, presided over by the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot. The Prime Minister’s visit concluded later in the day, following a series of engagements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and reaffirming India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
A Celebration of Shared Heritage
On Tuesday, Mr Modi joined in the celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, paying tribute to the Fourth King’s visionary leadership and his lasting contribution to Bhutan’s modern identity. Born on 11 November 1955, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo is widely revered for guiding Bhutan through a period of profound transformation. His reign, from 1972 to 2006, saw the country embrace modernisation while preserving its cultural heritage. He is also credited with introducing the philosophy of Gross National Happiness — a development model that has gained global recognition.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held detailed talks covering an extensive agenda, including cooperation in energy, connectivity, technology, defence, security, and capacity building. Following the talks, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project — a flagship example of Indo-Bhutanese collaboration in the energy sector and a milestone in their long-standing hydropower partnership. “Had a very good meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. We discussed the full range of India–Bhutan relations,” Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post. “Our discussions covered cooperation in energy, capacity building, connectivity, technology, defence and security. India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan’s development journey.”
Strengthening Spiritual Bonds
Underscoring the profound cultural and spiritual linkages between the two Himalayan neighbours, Prime Minister Modi joined the Bhutanese King in offering prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong. The relics, displayed at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, were specially brought from India for exposition as part of the Fourth King’s 70th birthday commemorations and the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Prime Minister’s visit has been widely seen as a reaffirmation of India’s enduring friendship with Bhutan — a partnership rooted not merely in geography, but in shared history, values, and aspirations for peace and prosperity in the region.
