THIMPHU, Nov 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, where he will participate in the 70th birthday celebrations of the country’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and inaugurate the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, a key milestone in India-Bhutan energy cooperation.
Modi was warmly received at Paro International Airport by his Bhutanese counterpart, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, along with senior officials and members of the royal family. During his stay, the Indian prime minister is scheduled to meet King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, the Fourth King, and Prime Minister Tobgay to discuss bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
“This visit comes at a time when Bhutan is marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King. I will be holding talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay,” Modi posted on X before his arrival.
One of the key highlights of the visit will be the joint inauguration of the 1,020-MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, developed with Indian assistance. Calling it a “big boost to our energy partnership,” Modi said the project symbolises the enduring friendship and development cooperation between India and Bhutan.
He also emphasised that India’s ties with Bhutan are “time-tested and rooted in mutual trust, goodwill and respect,” and that the partnership stands as a model under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Modi’s visit also coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, sent from India to Bhutan for public veneration. The prime minister will offer prayers at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and take part in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Bhutanese government.
In a further boost to bilateral cooperation, India recently announced plans to construct two cross-border railway links with Bhutan at a cost of ₹4,033 crore, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and trade.
