PM Modi, Bhutan’s Fourth King Hold Talks on Bilateral Relations and Cultural Links

PM Modi Meets Bhutan’s Fourth King, Strengthens India-Bhutan Friendship and Cultural Ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan’s Fourth Druk Gyalpo, in Thimphu on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation and celebrate the enduring cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said PM Modi conveyed India’s felicitations to the Fourth King on his 70th birthday, wishing him continued health and well-being. He also expressed gratitude for the King’s guidance in enhancing India-Bhutan relations.

“Both leaders held discussions on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest, underlining the shared spiritual and cultural bonds that connect the peoples of India and Bhutan,” the MEA noted. As part of the Global Peace Prayer Festival, PM Modi joined the Fourth King and Bhutan’s current monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at the Kalachakra initiation ceremony at Changlimithang Stadium, presided over by Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, Je Khenpo.

During his visit, PM Modi also participated in the celebrations of the Fourth King’s 70th birthday, reaffirming the deep friendship and spiritual connection between the two countries.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck, born on November 11, 1955, served as Bhutan’s Druk Gyalpo from 1972 to 2006. His reign is remembered for modernising Bhutan, promoting national unity, and advancing the internationally recognised Gross National Happiness philosophy.

Earlier, PM Modi and Bhutan’s current King held extensive talks covering energy, connectivity, technology, capacity building, defence, and security. The two leaders also inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a major India-Bhutan energy collaboration.

Highlighting the centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties, PM Modi joined the King to pay respects to the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong, a special exposition marking the Fourth King’s 70th birthday and the Global Peace Prayer Festival.