Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Bhutan, where he joined King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in a spiritually significant ceremony to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. This event took place at the historic Tashichhodzong fortress in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and was marked by heartfelt prayers and chants led by local monks. The Holy Relics, which are currently enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall within Tashichhodzong, were sent from India as a special gesture to commemorate the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King and to honor the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India highlighted the occasion on social media, noting the deep civilizational and spiritual ties that bind the two nations together.
Buddhism serves as a profound shared heritage between India and Bhutan, strengthening their cultural and religious connections. Bhutanese pilgrims frequently visit sacred Buddhist sites in India, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sarnath, Sikkim, and Udayagiri, among others. These pilgrimages underscore the spiritual affinity between the countries. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, India. This temple was formally consecrated in September 2025, symbolizing the ongoing collaboration and mutual respect between the two nations. Additionally, a statue of Zhabdrung, a revered figure considered the founder of Bhutan, is currently on exhibition at Simtokha Dzong in Bhutan. This statue was loaned by the Asiatic Society of Kolkata, further illustrating the cultural exchange that flourishes between India and Bhutan.
Prime Minister Modi’s relationship with Bhutan is longstanding and marked by several significant visits. Notably, his first overseas trip after assuming office in 2014 was to Bhutan, signaling the importance of this neighborly bond. He undertook another state visit in August 2019 after beginning his second term, and again in March 2024, when he was honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award—the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. This prestigious decoration was conferred upon him by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in a public ceremony held at Tendrelthang, Thimphu. PM Modi became the first foreign leader ever to receive this honor, which is awarded for lifetime achievement and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals in Bhutan. The King had announced the intention to bestow this award during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations at Tashichhodzong in December 2021.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo acknowledges Prime Minister Modi’s instrumental role in strengthening the friendship between India and Bhutan, as well as his people-centric leadership approach. The award citation also honors India’s emergence as a global power under his leadership and celebrates the unique and enduring bond between the two countries. Upon receiving the award, PM Modi emphasized that it was a recognition not just for him, but for the entire 1.4 billion people of India, reflecting the deep-rooted ties that unite the two nations.
The relationship between India and Bhutan extends beyond diplomatic gestures to include robust people-to-people ties. Currently, approximately 50,000 Indians live and work in Bhutan across various sectors such as infrastructure development, hydropower projects, education, trade, and commerce. Their contributions have been vital to Bhutan’s overall development and are acknowledged both within Bhutan and internationally. This workforce is a tangible representation of the close collaboration and mutual support that characterize India-Bhutan relations.
The spiritual and cultural exchanges between the two countries are further enriched by ongoing projects and historical links. Buddhism’s shared heritage has continually fostered deeper understanding and cooperation. For instance, the Bhutanese temple constructed in Rajgir, inaugurated by the Je Khenpo, is a testament to the religious and cultural bridges that have been built over decades. Similarly, the exhibition of the Zhabdrung statue in Bhutan, loaned by Kolkata’s Asiatic Society, symbolizes the historical connections and respect for Bhutanese traditions within India.
Prime Minister Modi’s repeated visits to Bhutan and the honors he has received underscore the strategic and emotional importance of the bilateral relationship. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing