Thimphu, November 11: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan on Saturday for a two-day visit aimed at deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Modi was received at Paro International Airport by his Bhutanese counterpart, Tshering Tobgay, who posted on X, “I join the entire nation in welcoming my elder brother, Prime Minister @narendramodi, to Bhutan.”
During the visit, Modi will hold talks with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tobgay to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. The two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a key symbol of India-Bhutan energy cooperation.
Modi is also scheduled to meet Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and take part in celebrations marking the former monarch’s 70th birthday.
In a statement before his departure, Modi said he was confident the visit would “further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity.” He described the India-Bhutan partnership as “exemplary,” rooted in mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill.
“Our partnership is a key pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy and a model for friendly relations between neighbouring countries,” Modi said.
The visit also coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha in Bhutan, sent from India as a gesture of cultural and spiritual solidarity. In a post on X, Modi said his visit would “add new vigour” to bilateral ties. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the trip aims to reinforce the “special ties of friendship and cooperation” between the two nations.
