PM Modi Meets Bhutan’s Fourth King, Hails Efforts To Strengthen India-Bhutan Ties | India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met His Highness the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan and lauded his long-standing efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted friendship between India and Bhutan.

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as energy, trade, technology and connectivity. PM Modi also lauded the progress of the Gelephu Awareness City Project and described it as a significant initiative closely aligned with India’s Code of the East Act.

A day before November 11, Prime Minister Modi had joined King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan to receive blessings from the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong. The relics, currently housed in the Great Kuenrey Hall, were sent from India as a special gesture to honor the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King and the Global Peace Prayer Festival organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The deep civilization, culture and spiritual ties shared between the two neighboring countries were underlined during the visit. Local priests and citizens warmly welcomed the Prime Minister of India during the event.

As part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan, Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Bhutanese temple in Rajgir, India. The temple was officially consecrated in September this year.

The statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, revered as the founder of the Bhutanese nation, currently on display at Simtokha Dzong in Bhutan, was loaned by the Calcutta Asian Society, symbolizing the shared cultural heritage between the two countries.

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Prime Minister Modi’s relationship with Bhutan has been marked by several important visits. His first visit abroad after taking office in 2014 was to Bhutan. He visited the country again in August 2019 during his second term and later in March 2024 when he was awarded the Order of Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Established as the highest decoration for lifetime achievement, the Order of Druk Gyalpo ranks above all other decorations in Bhutan. The award was first announced during Bhutan’s 114th National Day celebrations in December 2021 and recognized Prime Minister Modi’s role in strengthening India-Bhutan ties and India’s growing global reputation.

While receiving this honour, Prime Minister Modi had said that the award belongs to the 1.4 billion people of Bharat and reflects the deep and enduring friendship between India and Bhutan.