Modi reaffirms India-Bhutan ties, pays tribute to Fourth King on his 70th birthday
Thimphu, November 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan and paid glowing tribute to Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a symbol of “wisdom, simplicity, courage and selfless service”.
Addressing the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, Modi said the occasion – which also featured the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha – represented both a celebration of Bhutan’s leadership and a reaffirmation of the deep cultural and spiritual bond between the two nations.
However, the Prime Minister began his address on a sombre note, expressing anguish over a “horrifying incident” that occurred in Delhi the previous evening.
“I have come here with a heavy heart,” he said. “The entire nation stands united with the families who have suffered this loss. Our agencies are working to get to the bottom of this conspiracy, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Referring to India’s ancient ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and the universal prayer for peace, Modi said India’s participation in the Global Peace Prayer Festival under the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava reflected its commitment to global harmony.
“Saints from across the world are praying for peace today – joined by the prayers of 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.
Drawing a personal connection, the Prime Minister noted that both his birthplace, Vadnagar, and his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, were historic centres of Buddhist heritage.
“Being part of this ceremony holds special meaning for me. I pray that the lamp of peace lit here today spreads to every home in Bhutan and around the world,” he said.
Modi praised the Fourth King’s remarkable leadership, recalling how he assumed the throne at just 16 and led Bhutan with compassion and foresight for more than three decades. He credited the monarch with laying the foundations of democracy, promoting peace in border regions, and pioneering the concept of Gross National Happiness, which has become “an important measure of development worldwide”.
“The Fourth King not only nurtured Bhutan’s heritage but also guided its progress,” Modi said, adding that his contributions also strengthened the friendship between India and Bhutan – a relationship “built not only on borders, but on shared values, emotions, peace and progress”.
Recalling his first overseas visit as Prime Minister to Bhutan in 2014, Modi said the two nations had stood by each other through every challenge.
“As we march together towards prosperity, our friendship continues to grow stronger,” he said, adding that the partnership between the two countries “stands as a model for the region”.
The Prime Minister commended Bhutan’s achievement as the world’s first carbon-negative country, attributing it to the vision of the Fourth and Fifth Kings.
“Bhutan produces 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy,” he noted, announcing the launch of a new 1,000 MW hydropower project that will increase the country’s power generation capacity by nearly 40 percent. Another long-pending hydropower project will also resume work soon, he added.
India and Bhutan, Modi said, are expanding their collaboration into solar energy, with key agreements signed during his visit. He also unveiled new connectivity initiatives, including plans to link Gelephu and Samtse to India’s rail network – a move he said would “create new opportunities and prosperity” for Bhutan’s industries and farmers.
Supporting the vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, Modi announced that India would soon establish an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to facilitate visitors and investors.
Underscoring India’s commitment to Bhutan’s development, the Prime Minister recalled New Delhi’s contribution of Rs. 10,000 crore to Bhutan’s ongoing Five-Year Plan, supporting projects across sectors such as roads, agriculture, finance, and healthcare. He also highlighted expanding cooperation in digital finance, including efforts to make India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accessible to Bhutanese citizens.
Modi said Bhutan’s youth were among the biggest beneficiaries of this partnership, citing joint efforts in education, innovation, skill development, sports, space, and culture.
“Our young people are even working together to build a satellite – a proud achievement for both nations,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also underlined the spiritual foundation of the India-Bhutan relationship, noting the recent inauguration of the Royal Bhutanese Temple in Rajgir and announcing that land has been allotted in Varanasi for a Bhutanese temple and guest house.
“These temples will further deepen the cultural ties between our two nations,” he said.
Concluding his address, Mr. Modi extended warm wishes to His Majesty the Fourth King for good health and long life.
“May the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche guide and protect both our countries,” he said.
