Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive meeting with the Fourth King of Bhutan, acknowledging and celebrating his sustained efforts to fortify the deep-seated India-Bhutan partnership. The leaders explored avenues for boosting cooperation in crucial sectors like energy, trade, technology, and connectivity. Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project, noting its strong alignment with India’s strategic ‘Act East Policy.’
The meeting followed Prime Minister Modi’s participation in a recent religious ceremony with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, paying homage to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. These relics, shared by India, were part of celebrations honoring the Fourth King’s 70th birthday and a Global Peace Prayer Festival, vividly illustrating the shared civilizational and spiritual connections.
The 50th anniversary of India-Bhutan diplomatic relations is being celebrated with various cultural exchanges, including the initiation of a Bhutanese temple in India. The temporary exhibition of a statue of Bhutan’s revered founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, on loan from India, further reinforces the narrative of a shared cultural past. Prime Minister Modi’s long-standing engagement, marked by multiple visits and the bestowal of Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, testifies to the enduring strength of India-Bhutan relations.