Thimphu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, on Tuesday for a two-day state visit, where he was received with a “warm and gracious welcome” by his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, at the airport.
During his visit from November 11 to 12, PM Modi will participate in several official engagements, including the Global Peace Prayer Festival hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan and celebrations marking the 70th birthday of Bhutan’s Fourth King.
“Landed in Bhutan. Grateful to Prime Minister Tobgay for the warm and gracious welcome at the airport. This visit reflects the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation shared between our two nations. India and Bhutan enjoy a time-tested partnership anchored in trust, goodwill, and mutual respect. I look forward to further strengthening our close ties during this visit,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Before leaving New Delhi, the Prime Minister called it an honour to join the people of Bhutan in celebrating the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary. He also highlighted that the visit would mark an important milestone in the India–Bhutan energy partnership with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project.
“It would be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King. The exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India during the Global Peace Prayer Festival reflects the deep-rooted civilisational and spiritual ties between our two countries,” he said in a statement.
The visit coincides with Bhutan hosting the Global Peace Prayer Festival and the public exposition of the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India — events that highlight the shared spiritual heritage between the two neighbours.
“India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, rooted in deep mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill. Our partnership is a key pillar of the Neighbourhood First Policy and serves as a model for friendly relations between neighbouring countries,” the statement added.
During his stay, PM Modi will also hold talks with the King of Bhutan, the Fourth King, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. “This visit will add new vigour to our bilateral relations,” he wrote on X.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sandeep Arya, described the visit as “highly significant,” noting that it coincides with major national and spiritual occasions in Bhutan and underscores the closest partnership between the two countries.
