Civilisational Bonding and Strategic Depth: Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay Concludes Successful Visit to India

Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay just wrapped up a multi-city visit to India this week. This marked a significant chapter in the time-tested and civilisational relationship between the two neighbours. 

Image Source: EAM Jaishankar

From high-level strategic meetings in Delhi to spiritual engagements in Ayodhya and Rajgir, the visit reflected both nations’ deep-rooted historical ties, mutual respect, and shared future ambitions in clean energy, infrastructure, and cultural cooperation.

A Visit Anchored in Shared Civilisational Ethos

Prime Minister Tobgay’s itinerary began with engagements steeped in Bhutan’s Buddhist and Indian cultural heritage. At Rajgir in Bihar, the Bhutanese leader participated in the consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple, accompanied by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, and senior clergy. 

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Bihar’s Education Minister Sunil Kumar were among those present.

Calling the temple a “timeless symbol of spiritual unity,” Tobgay described it as a monument that will "further enrich and deepen the centuries-old spiritual and cultural bond between the two nations."

A Significant Visit to Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Mandir

In a historic first, PM Tobgay and his wife offered prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. He also visited Kuber Tila, performing Jalabhishek and Aarti of Lord Shiva. 

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reacting to the visit, said it was “wonderful to see PM Tobgay and his wife pray at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi,” adding that the ideals of Shri Ram provide strength to millions globally.

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

The visit was widely seen as a gesture of deep respect and cultural diplomacy, linking the Bhutanese Vajrayana Buddhist tradition to Indian civilisational values.

Strategic Talks and Energy Cooperation in Delhi

At the centre of the visit were high-level meetings with Indian leadership. 

PM Tobgay met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, where the two leaders discussed Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan projects supported by India, focusing on hydropower, trade, connectivity, and development cooperation.

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

“Our unique and time-tested partnership continues to move from strength to strength,” said Jaishankar, noting Bhutan’s importance in India’s regional neighbourhood-first policy.

Major Breakthrough: Wangchhu Hydropower Agreement

In a significant outcome, Adani Power Ltd. and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed an agreement to develop the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydropower Project. 

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

PM Tobgay called it a “milestone in Bhutan–India clean energy cooperation,” reinforcing Bhutan’s role as a green energy partner in South Asia.

Bhutan’s Tribute to India’s Ancient Seat of Learning

Prime Minister Tobgay also visited Nalanda University, where he highlighted its historic links to Bhutan’s spiritual and philosophical roots. 

"Nalanda is the world’s oldest and most profound centre of higher learning,” he said, referencing Bhutanese traditions shaped by ancient masters like Guru Padmasambhava, Naropa, and Vairochana. 

Image Source: Nalanda University

He noted that Bhutan’s Dzongkha script traces its origins to Indian linguistic traditions.

The Bhutanese leader extended an invitation to Nalanda scholars and students to participate in Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival in November 2025.

Historical Ties, Contemporary Outcomes

Bhutan–India ties have evolved from the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and have been significantly strengthened post-India’s independence. 

India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and remains its key development partner. Over the decades, India has supported Bhutan's hydropower sector, digital infrastructure, and capacity building across various sectors.

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

Notably, Prime Minister Modi had chosen Bhutan as his first foreign visit after taking office, underlining the strategic and emotional depth of the bilateral relationship. 

In 2024, Bhutan’s King conferred on PM Modi the Order of the Dragon King, the country’s highest civilian honour.

A Bond of Trust and Shared Destiny

The visit by PM Tobgay comes amid regional flux and changing geopolitical currents. Yet, the India–Bhutan relationship has remained steady, and is built on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and cultural affinity.

Image Source: Official Diplomatic Channels

The overarching message of the visit was that the civilisational bond between India and Bhutan is flourishing, and is now being powered by clean energy, guided by shared spiritual values, and propelled by a future-oriented development partnership.