A significant meeting took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s Fourth King, where mutual admiration for the India-Bhutan friendship was expressed. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in critical areas such as energy, trade, technology, and enhancing connectivity between the two nations. The Prime Minister specifically lauded the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, recognizing its synergy with India’s ‘Act East Policy.’
This visit also included a deeply symbolic moment where Prime Minister Modi joined King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to honor Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics. The relics’ presence in Bhutan, a gesture from India, celebrated the Fourth King’s significant birthday and a global peace initiative, highlighting the shared spiritual and cultural heritage.
Further cementing these ties, the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations saw the commencement of a Bhutanese temple construction in India. The loan of a statue representing Bhutan’s national founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, from an Indian institution, also emphasizes the interconnectedness of their cultural legacies. Prime Minister Modi’s consistent commitment to Bhutan, including his past visits and the prestigious Order of the Druk Gyalpo award, underscores the strength and warmth of the bilateral relationship.