Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu for a deeply spiritual occasion, seeking blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha. The event, held at the Tashichhodzong, was graced by the presence of local monks, who offered chants as the leaders paid their respects. This gathering powerfully illustrates the strong civilizational and spiritual bonds that have long connected India and Bhutan.
The Holy Relics, currently displayed at the Grand Kuenrey Hall in Tashichhodzong, have been specially sent from India. This gesture is a unique tribute to Bhutan, commemorating the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King and coinciding with the Royal Government of Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival.
Reflecting on the event, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the shared reverence for the relics, noting that both leaders and the accompanying monks engaged in prayer. This spiritual communion serves as a potent symbol of the shared Buddhist heritage that is central to the relationship between the two nations.
Buddhism plays a vital role in the cultural tapestry of both countries, with numerous Bhutanese individuals traveling to India to visit significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The mutual respect and shared heritage are further reinforced through collaborative projects and cultural exchanges, such as the construction of a Bhutanese temple in India and the exhibition of Bhutanese cultural artifacts.
Prime Minister Modi has consistently prioritized strengthening India-Bhutan relations. His state visits, including a landmark one in March 2024, have been pivotal. During that visit, he was bestowed with the prestigious Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his significant role in fostering bilateral friendship and acknowledging India’s growing global influence under his leadership.