Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Bhutan on Tuesday for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and inaugurating a key joint infrastructure project.
During the 11-12 November visit, the PM will meet Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on strengthening collaboration across energy, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.
A major highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, jointly developed by India and Bhutan. The project is expected to bolster Bhutan’s power generation capacity and enhance cross-border electricity cooperation with India.
The PM will also join the Bhutanese leadership in celebrating the 70th birth anniversary of former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, widely credited with introducing the concept of Gross National Happiness and modernising the Himalayan kingdom.
The trip will also carry a strong spiritual and cultural dimension. The visit coincides with the exposition of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, which have been sent from India to Bhutan. Modi is scheduled to offer prayers at the Tashichhodzong monastery in Thimphu and participate in the Global Peace Prayer Festival organised by the Bhutan government.
“The shared spiritual heritage and warm people-to-people ties are a hallmark of the special partnership,” said MEA.
The visit comes amid expanding bilateral engagement across new sectors. In September, India announced plans to build its first-ever railway links with Bhutan between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam, and Samtse and Banarhat in West Bengal at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore. The connectivity initiative is expected to give a major boost to trade, tourism, and regional integration. |
