PM Modi Begins Two-Day State Visit to Bhutan to Deepen Energy and Connectivity Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a two-day state visit to Bhutan aimed at giving a major push to energy cooperation and overall bilateral relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister said his visit would “add new vigour” to India–Bhutan ties.

"Leaving for Bhutan, where I will attend various programmes. This visit comes at a time when Bhutan is marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King. I will be holding talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. In a big boost to our energy partnership, the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project will be inaugurated. This visit will add new vigour to our bilateral relations,” PM said before departure.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and have an audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

The two leaders will inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, developed jointly by the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan, a major milestone in energy cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi will also attend celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, who abdicated the throne 20 years ago to pave the way for Bhutan’s transition to democracy.

As part of efforts to deepen connectivity, India and Bhutan are developing two cross-border railway links funded by New Delhi. During the visit, PM Modi is set to review the progress of two new India-Bhutan railway projects that will connect : the Kokrajhar-Gelephu line, connecting Assam to southern Bhutan, and the Banarhat-Samtse line, linking West Bengal with southwestern Bhutan.

The Kokrajhar-Gelephu line, estimated at Rs 3,456 crore, will include six stations, two major bridges, 29 additional major bridges, 65 minor bridges, two goods sheds, a flyover, and 39 underpasses, with construction expected to take four years. The Banarhat-Samtse line, costing Rs 577 crore, will feature two stations, one major bridge, 24 minor bridges, an overpass, and 37 underpasses, and is projected to be completed in three years.

PM Modi’s visit also coincides with the exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India. He will offer prayers to the holy relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The holy relics were received on Saturday at a ceremony attended by Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and enshrined at Tashichhodzong, the Buddhist monastery in Thimphu, where they will remain for public veneration until November 17.

Buddhism continues to serve as a strong spiritual bridge between the two nations, with thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims visiting India, the land of the Buddha, every year.

India and Bhutan share a unique and exemplary partnership marked by deep mutual trust, goodwill, and respect. The shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people ties are a hallmark of the special partnership. The Prime Minister's visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to deliberate on regional and wider issues of mutual interest.

In 2024, Prime Minister Modi received the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral friendship. He is the first foreign national to be conferred this prestigious award.