PM Modi Strengthens India-Bhutan Relations During Meeting with Fourth King on His 70th Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Bhutan's Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on his 70th birth anniversary during their meeting in Thimphu on Wednesday.

In Thimphu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held significant discussions with Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, covering various aspects of bilateral relations.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister Modi conveyed warm felicitations to the Fourth King on reaching the milestone of his 70th birth anniversary and expressed India's sincere wishes and prayers for his continued good health and well-being.

The MEA stated, "Prime Minister expressed gratitude to His Majesty The Fourth King for his leadership, counsel and guidance in strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship. Their discussions encompassed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, highlighting the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that form the foundation of the close relationship between the people of both nations."

As part of the ongoing Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, PM Modi joined Bhutan's current King and the Fourth King at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony held at Changlimithang Stadium. The sacred prayers were conducted under the guidance of Je Khenpo, Bhutan's Chief Abbot.

Following this engagement, PM Modi was scheduled to return to New Delhi, concluding his productive two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and reinforcing India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi participated in celebrations marking the Fourth King's 70th birth anniversary, further cementing the enduring friendship and spiritual connection that India and Bhutan share.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck, born on November 11, 1955, served as Bhutan's Fourth Druk Gyalpo from 1972 until 2006. He is widely regarded as one of Bhutan's most visionary and beloved monarchs.

During his reign, Bhutan experienced significant modernization, strengthened national unity, and developed the unique happiness-centered philosophy that has received worldwide recognition.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi engaged in comprehensive discussions with the current Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Their talks covered extensive areas of cooperation, including energy partnerships, capacity development, connectivity enhancement, technological collaboration, defense coordination, and security matters.

Following their delegation-level discussions, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a significant collaborative endeavor between India and Bhutan that highlights the growing energy partnership between the neighboring nations.

Prime Minister Modi shared on social media: "Had a very productive meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. We addressed the complete spectrum of India-Bhutan relations."

He added: "I also had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I appreciated his extensive efforts over the years towards further cementing India-Bhutan ties. We discussed cooperation in energy, trade, technology and connectivity sectors. India takes pride in being a key partner in Bhutan's development journey."

Emphasizing the centuries-old cultural and spiritual connections between the two Himalayan neighbors, Prime Minister Modi joined the Bhutanese King on Tuesday to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu's Tashichhodzong.

The revered relics, enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, were specially sent from India for exposition as a special gesture to commemorate the Fourth King's 70th birth anniversary and the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan.