Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Bhutan from November 11–12 for a State visit that seeks to reinforce one of South Asia’s closest diplomatic partnerships. The two neighbours, bound by decades of strategic trust and shared cultural heritage, are set to expand cooperation across energy, connectivity and regional stability.
The Prime Minister will receive an audience with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and will jointly inaugurate the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, one of the most significant India-assisted infrastructure ventures in Bhutan. The project, long viewed as a pillar of bilateral collaboration, is expected to advance Bhutan’s hydropower-driven economy and strengthen energy security ties with India.
The visit will also coincide with celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, whose stewardship remains deeply revered in Bhutan. Modi will join commemorative events in Thimphu before offering prayers to the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, currently on exposition in the Bhutanese capital. Officials described the display of the relics as a moment carrying profound spiritual resonance for both nations.
Modi will hold formal talks with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, with discussions expected to focus on new avenues of economic partnership, climate resilience, technology cooperation and India’s expanding development portfolio in the Himalayan kingdom. Diplomatic sources said broader regional issues will also feature prominently.
Also read: Assam CM seeks Bhutan rail link, new Amrit Bharat trains
The visit follows India’s announcement in September of two cross-border railway links—Gelephu–Kokrajhar and Samtse–Banarhat—valued at over ₹4,000 crore. The projects, which will mark Bhutan’s first-ever rail connectivity with India, are expected to transform trade logistics and bolster subregional connectivity.
India and Bhutan have maintained a tradition of regular high-level engagement, with hydropower, capacity building and people-to-people ties forming the core of their partnership. Both sides see the upcoming talks as an opportunity to renew commitments while identifying fresh areas of collaboration.
Modi will also attend the Global Peace Prayer Festival hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit would provide space for “regional and wider issues of mutual interest” to be addressed as both countries consolidate their long-standing friendship.
Follow us
