Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a significant meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, underscoring the enduring and deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan. This meeting, which took place in the backdrop of several notable developments and celebrations between the two nations, highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and the shared vision for the future.
During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi and the Bhutanese King explored avenues to further enhance cooperation across several key sectors including energy, trade, technology, and connectivity. These areas have been pivotal in fostering mutual growth and development, reflecting the commitment both countries have toward strengthening their partnership. Prime Minister Modi also praised the progress of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, an initiative that resonates closely with India’s Act East Policy. This project is seen as a significant step in boosting regional connectivity and promoting sustainable development, aligning with both nations’ aspirations for economic and cultural integration.
A day prior to this high-level meeting, on November 11, Prime Minister Modi joined King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. These sacred relics, which are enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, were sent from India as a special mark of respect to commemorate the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and to honor the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by Bhutan’s Royal Government. This spiritual event was a poignant reminder of the deep civilizational, cultural, and spiritual bonds that have long linked India and Bhutan. The warm reception extended by local monks and citizens to Prime Minister Modi during this occasion further emphasized the strong people-to-people connections between the neighboring countries.
The year also marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, a milestone celebrated with various cultural and religious activities. One of the highlights was the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, India, presided over by Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s spiritual leader. The temple, which was formally consecrated in September, stands as a symbol of the enduring spiritual and cultural ties that bind the two nations. In addition, the Asiatic Society in Kolkata loaned a statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal—revered as the founder of the Bhutanese nation—to Bhutan, where it is displayed at Simtokha Dzong. This exchange symbolizes the shared cultural heritage and mutual respect that define the India-Bhutan relationship.
Prime Minister Modi’s association with Bhutan is notable for several landmark visits that have reinforced the bilateral relationship over the years. Remarkably, his first overseas visit after assuming office in 2014 was to Bhutan, signaling the importance India places on its neighboring kingdom. He revisited Bhutan in August 2019 during his second term, reaffirming the close ties between the two countries. Most recently, in March 2024, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Order of the Druk Gyalpo—the highest civilian honor in Bhutan—by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. This prestigious award, which recognizes lifetime achievement, was instituted as Bhutan’s highest decoration and takes precedence over all other honors in the country.
The announcement of the Order of the Druk Gyalpo during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations in December 2021 was a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s significant role in strengthening India-Bhutan relations and enhancing India’s stature on the global stage. Upon receiving the honor, Prime Minister Modi humbly dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India (Bharat), emphasizing that the recognition reflected the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations rather than personal achievement.
This recent visit and the series of engagements between India and Bhutan highlight the multifaceted nature of their relationship, which extends beyond politics and economics to embrace cultural, spiritual, and civilizational dimensions. The joint participation in religious ceremonies, the cultural exchanges, and the mutual support in infrastructure projects illustrate a holistic partnership built on trust and shared values.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, in particular, exemplifies the forward-looking collaboration between the two countries. It not only supports Bhutan’s development goals but also dovetails with India’s broader strategic objectives in the region through the Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen economic and strategic