PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI’s STATE VISIT TO BHUTAN MARKED A NEW MILESTONE IN INDIA-BHUTAN RELATIONS

At the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, PM Modi paid a two-day state visit to Bhutan on November 11 and 12, 2025. He received a grand welcome at Thimphu Airport, where senior ministers and government officials greeted him. The warm welcome and cultural festivities further strengthened the deep friendship between the two countries.

He joined the people of Bhutan in the 70th birthday celebrations of the Fourth King (fondly called K4), Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, as the chief guest and attended the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu.

A highlight of the visit was the grand welcome accorded to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha brought from India. The occasion coincided with the Global Peace Prayer Festival and the birthday of the Fourth King. PM ​​Modi said that the respect and reverence with which these relics were received reflects the deep spiritual and cultural bond between the people of India and Bhutan, a bond rooted in a shared Buddhist heritage and the values ​​of peace and harmony.

Both countries emphasized strengthening cross-border connectivity and infrastructure.

 

Prime Minister Modi assured India's support for Bhutan's economic stimulus program and announced the establishment of an immigration checkpoint at Hatisar in Assam. Both countries emphasized strengthening cross-border connectivity and infrastructure. Progress made on the Darranga immigration checkpoint, Jogighofa Multimodal Logistics Park, and Bhutan-India Railway projects was welcomed.

 

Jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project.

His Majesty the King and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project on 11 November 2025, in the august presence of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha. This project is a testimony to the friendship and exemplary cooperation between Bhutan and India in the field of hydropower. They welcomed the commencement of power exports from Punatsangchhu-II to India. Both sides also expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership of March 2024. 

India announces concessional loan assistance of Rs. 40 billion for energy projects in Bhutan.

India announced a concessional loan assistance of ₹40 billion for energy projects in Bhutan. Both sides welcomed the decision to resume construction of the main dam of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu Project and agreed on its early completion. Upon completion, the hydropower project will be the largest hydropower project jointly developed by the two countries.

 

It was described as an enduring symbol of the friendship between the two countries. Energy cooperation is a key component of the India-Bhutan partnership. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on this occasion in the areas of renewable energy and health. A new credit line for Bhutan's development was also announced. 

Three MoUs were signed during PM Modi's visit.

During the visit of Prime Minister Modi, three MoUs were signed: (1) Cooperation in the field of renewable energy, (2) Cooperation in the field of health and medicine, and (3) Mental health institutional partnership. India and Bhutan also expressed satisfaction at progress in new areas such as fertilizer supply, science and technology education, financial technology, and space cooperation.

 

Under the second phase of UPI, Bhutanese citizens will now be able to make payments in India using their mobile applications. The Indian government's decision to consecrate the Royal Bhutan Temple in Rajgir, Bhutan, and allocate land for the Bhutan Temple and Guest House in Varanasi was also welcomed.

 

The Bhutanese side appreciated the steps taken by the Government of India to establish institutional arrangements for the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and fertilizers to Bhutan. Both sides welcomed the arrival of the first consignment of fertilizers from India under the new arrangement.

 

PM Modi met with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. The talks covered bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and global affairs. PM Modi said the Bhutan-India partnership is based on strong trust, warm friendship, mutual respect, and understanding at all levels.

 

India has always stood with Bhutan in its development journey, and as our neighbor and close friend, we are proud of this partnership. Speaking about Bhutan-India relations, Modi said, "We are also building a satellite together. This is a very important achievement for both India and Bhutan."

 

Modi further stated that a major strength of India-Bhutan relations is the spiritual bond between our people. Regional and global challenges were also discussed, and a shared vision of stability and cooperation was reiterated. The visit reaffirmed the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, and both sides agreed to continue this in the future.