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PM Modi Meets Bhutan's Fourth King Amid Historic Thimphu Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bhutan's Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in Thimphu. The meeting was part of Modi's two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the neighboring nations. During the visit, Modi also participated in celebrations marking the Fourth King's 70th birth anniversary. The leaders discussed various areas of cooperation and inaugurated a major hydroelectric project together.

Key Points: PM Modi Meets Bhutan Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

  • PM Modi met Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck during two-day Bhutan visit
  • Leaders discussed energy, connectivity, technology and security cooperation
  • Inaugurated 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric power project
  • Visit celebrated Fourth King's 70th birth anniversary and spiritual bonds
2 min read

PM Modi meets Bhutan's Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck

PM Modi meets Bhutan's Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, attends Kalchakra ceremony, and strengthens India-Bhutan ties during two-day Thimphu visit.

"India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan's development journey - PM Narendra Modi"

Thimphu, Nov 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, in Thimphu on Wednesday.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend the Kalchakra ceremony, after which he will depart for New Delhi, concluding his two-day visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and reaffirming commitment to the Neighbourhood First Policy.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi also participated in the celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan's Fourth King, reaffirming the enduring friendship and spiritual connection shared between India and Bhutan.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck, born on November 11, 1955, served as Bhutan's Fourth Druk Gyalpo. His reign lasted from 1972 until 2006, and he is regarded as one of Bhutan's most insightful and cherished kings.

Under his leadership, Bhutan underwent modernisation, strengthened national cohesion, and adopted a unique happiness-based philosophy that gained international recognition.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held extensive discussions covering a wide spectrum of cooperation, including energy, capacity building, connectivity, technology, defence, and security.

Following the delegation-level talks, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a major collaboration between India and Bhutan that underscores the growing energy partnership between the two nations.

"Had a very good meeting with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan. We covered the full range of India-Bhutan relations," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media.

"We discussed cooperation in sectors like energy, capacity building, connectivity, technology, defence and security. India is proud to be a key partner in Bhutan's development journey," he added.

Highlighting the centuries-old cultural and spiritual bonds between the two Himalayan neighbours, Prime Minister Modi joined the Bhutanese King on Tuesday to seek blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu's Tashichhodzong.

The relics, enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall, were sent from India for exposition as a special gesture to commemorate the Fourth King's 70th birth anniversary and the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The spiritual connection between India and Bhutan is truly special. Attending the Kalchakra ceremony and seeking blessings from Buddha's relics shows the depth of our cultural bonds beyond just politics. Jai Hind! 🙏
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Aditya G
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope these visits translate into concrete benefits for common people in border areas. Sometimes these high-profile meetings feel more symbolic than substantive.
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Sarah B
As someone who has visited Bhutan, I can say the friendship between our countries is genuine. The 1020 MW hydro project is massive! This is how regional cooperation should work - mutual benefit and respect.
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Karthik V
Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy is something India should learn from. Instead of just chasing GDP, we need to focus on holistic development. Good that our leaders are engaging with visionary thinkers like the Fourth King.
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Nisha Z
Energy cooperation with Bhutan is strategic for our northeastern states too. Hope this leads to more cross-border connectivity and economic opportunities for people living in border regions. 🏔️⚡
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Michael C
The timing is perfect - celebrating the Fourth King's 70th birthday and strengthening ties. Bhutan has always been a reliable friend to India, unlike some other neighbors. This relationship deserves our full support.

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