Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck recently participated in a deeply spiritual event in Thimphu, seeking blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The auspicious occasion took place at Tashichhodzong, where they were warmly welcomed by local monks. This visit underscores the profound civilizational and spiritual connections that bind India and Bhutan together.
The sacred relics, on loan from India, are currently displayed at the Grand Kuenrey Hall in Tashichhodzong. Their exposition in Bhutan is a special tribute from the people of India, marking the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and coinciding with the Global Peace Prayer Festival hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Official statements highlighted the joint prayer session, emphasizing the shared Buddhist heritage. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that Prime Minister Modi joined His Majesty the King in praying before the Holy Relics amidst the resonant chants of monks, reinforcing the strong bonds between the two nations.
Buddhism serves as a significant shared cultural thread. Many Bhutanese citizens undertake pilgrimages to important Buddhist sites across India, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Nalanda, further nurturing this spiritual connection. The exchange of cultural and religious significance is evident in various initiatives, such as the construction of a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, India, and the loan of historical artifacts for exhibition.
This visit also follows a series of significant interactions between Prime Minister Modi and the Bhutanese leadership. Prime Minister Modi has been a frequent visitor, with his first overseas trip after taking office in 2014 being to Bhutan. He has since undertaken several state visits, most recently in March 2024, during which he received Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, a testament to his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties and India’s global standing.