Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Bhutan’s Fourth King, praising his dedication to strengthening the robust India-Bhutan relationship. The leaders explored avenues to deepen collaboration across vital sectors, including energy, trade, technology, and connectivity. A key discussion point was the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, which Prime Minister Modi highlighted as a project closely aligned with India’s ‘Act East Policy.’
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi participated in a spiritual event, seeking blessings from Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics alongside Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. These relics, sent from India, commemorated the Fourth King’s 70th birthday and a Global Peace Prayer Festival. This exchange underscored the profound civilizational, cultural, and spiritual bonds shared by the two nations.
The ongoing 50th anniversary of India-Bhutan diplomatic ties was also marked by the groundbreaking of a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, India, presided over by Bhutan’s spiritual leader. Furthermore, a statue of Bhutan’s founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, on loan from Kolkata’s Asiatic Society, showcased the shared cultural heritage. Prime Minister Modi’s longstanding engagement with Bhutan, including his first foreign visit in 2014 and receiving the nation’s highest honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, reflects the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.