What to Expect from PM Modi's Upcoming Visit to Bhutan: A Celebration of Shared Heritage

Prime Minister Modi's Two-Day Visit to Bhutan

Thimphu: The upcoming two-day State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhutan, commencing on Tuesday, will highlight the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural connections between India and Bhutan, particularly through Buddhism.

This visit aligns with the exhibition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India. PM Modi will pay his respects to these Holy Relics at Tashichhodzong in Thimphu and will also take part in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Buddhism serves as a significant cultural link between the two nations, with many Bhutanese pilgrims frequently visiting important Buddhist sites in India, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim, Udayagiri, and Sarnath.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, the Je Khenpo led the groundbreaking ceremony for a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, which was consecrated in September this year. A statue of Zhabdrung, a highly revered figure in Bhutan and considered the nation's founder, is currently on display at Simtokha Dzong, having been loaned by the Asiatic Society in Kolkata.

Prime Minister Modi's relationship with Bhutan dates back to his first overseas visit in 2014. He returned for a State Visit in August 2019 and made another significant visit in March 2024, where he received the 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo,' Bhutan's highest civilian honor, from the King of Bhutan during a public ceremony in Thimphu. This award marked him as the first foreign leader to receive such an esteemed recognition.

The 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' is awarded for lifetime achievements and is the highest honor in Bhutan, surpassing all other decorations and medals.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced this honor during Bhutan's 114th National Day celebrations at Tashichhodzong in December 2021, acknowledging PM Modi's role in enhancing India-Bhutan relations and his leadership that has contributed to India's emergence as a global power.

While accepting the award, PM Modi emphasized that it represented the honor of 1.4 billion Indians and reflected the unique bond shared between the two nations.

During his upcoming visit, PM Modi and the Bhutanese King will inaugurate the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, a collaborative effort between the Indian government and Bhutan. Additionally, he will participate in celebrations marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan.

Currently, around 50,000 Indians are employed in Bhutan across various sectors, including infrastructure, hydropower, education, and commerce, showcasing the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. Their contributions to Bhutan's development have been recognized both locally and internationally.