Modi Deepens India-Bhutan Ties With Hydropower Push, Peace Festival Tribute and Strategic Pacts
India and Bhutan have restated their time-tested friendship and strategic cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to the Himalayan kingdom from November 11 to 12.
The visit coincided with the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and featured high-level engagements, religious observances, and key bilateral milestones.
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| Image Via: MEA India |
Speaking at the Changlimithang Stadium, Modi praised the monarch’s role in guiding Bhutan’s transformation into a democratic constitutional monarchy and his introduction of the globally noted concept of Gross National Happiness.
He thanked both the Fourth King and current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck for their stewardship of India-Bhutan ties and conveyed warm wishes from the Indian people.
PM @narendramodi has emplaned for New Delhi after concluding a productive State visit to Bhutan. In a special gesture, His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, came to see off PM at the airport.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 12, 2025
This visit will further deepen the 🇮🇳-🇧🇹 bilateral friendship and advance cooperation in… pic.twitter.com/PxdxhhRBxd
The visit held additional symbolic resonance with the presence of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India, displayed in Thimphu during Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival.
Modi joined both kings at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony presided over by Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, reflecting the shared spiritual heritage that underpins the relationship between the two nations.
Deeply moved by the reverence with which the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India have been received in Bhutan. This reflects the abiding spiritual bond between our people, a bond rooted in Lord Buddha’s message of peace and harmony. pic.twitter.com/3vJjTFEhPI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2025
Prime Minister Modi and the Bhutanese King jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a major milestone in the bilateral energy partnership. The project, developed with Indian assistance, will now begin supplying power to India and is seen as part of the broader regional grid integration agenda.
The leaders also agreed to resume work on the dam structure of the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I, which when completed will become the largest joint hydropower venture between the two countries.
Had a wonderful meeting with His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Appreciated his extensive efforts over the years towards further cementing India-Bhutan ties. Discussed cooperation in energy, trade, technology and connectivity. Lauded the progress in the Gelephu Mindfulness City… pic.twitter.com/It8O8TTYbi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2025
India announced a concessional Line of Credit worth INR 40 billion (approximately $480 million) to support Bhutan’s energy infrastructure, and extended full support for the country’s 13th Five Year Plan, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City vision—Bhutan’s flagship sustainable development initiative.
Modi also announced an immigration checkpoint in Assam to facilitate easier cross-border access to the project area.
🎥 Watch highlights of PM @narendramodi’s State visit to Bhutan. pic.twitter.com/xuDdFI9V1y
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 12, 2025
The two sides signed three key Memoranda of Understanding covering renewable energy, healthcare, and mental health cooperation. Progress was noted in cross-border infrastructure, with updates on integrated checkposts, inland waterways, and upcoming railway links connecting Bhutan to Indian states.
They also reviewed progress in digital payments, including Phase II of UPI integration, and ongoing collaboration in fintech, STEM education, and space technology.
Fuelling development, deepening friendship and driving sustainability!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2025
Energy cooperation remains a key pillar of the India-Bhutan partnership. Today, we inaugurated the Punatsangchhu-II Hydropower Project. This is an enduring symbol of friendship between our countries. pic.twitter.com/amYDqzxD1Q
The visit came just after a deadly car bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort killed several people. Bhutanese leaders expressed condolences and solidarity, offering prayers at the national event. Modi acknowledged the support and emphasized the importance of regional unity in the face of cross-border threats.
At the programme to mark the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King, the people of Bhutan expressed solidarity with the people of India in the wake of the blast in Delhi through a unique prayer. I will never forget this gesture. pic.twitter.com/r4cPDRKZiF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 11, 2025
The visit reaffirmed Bhutan’s centrality in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and highlighted the increasingly multifaceted nature of bilateral ties, spanning energy, trade, digital innovation, and shared civilizational heritage.
Both sides pledged to maintain the tradition of high-level engagement and to continue building on the foundation of mutual respect and trust.