Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a poignant and powerful address in Thimphu, Bhutan, commemorating the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. Speaking at the Changlimethang Celebration Ground, Modi paid tribute to the monarch’s legacy of wisdom, courage, and selfless service, while reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to Bhutan’s progress and regional peace.
Modi began his speech with solemnity, acknowledging the grief and shock caused by a horrific incident in Delhi the previous evening. He assured that Indian investigative agencies are working relentlessly to uncover the conspiracy and bring all perpetrators to justice. “The entire nation stands with the affected families,” he said, adding that those responsible “will not be spared.”
Despite the somber backdrop, Modi emphasized the spiritual and cultural depth of India-Bhutan relations, rooted in centuries of shared heritage. He highlighted the Global Peace Prayer Festival being held in Bhutan, which coincides with the sacred viewing of Lord Buddha’s Piprahwa relics. Invoking the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family”—Modi expressed India’s prayers for universal happiness and peace, noting that 140 crore Indians join Bhutan in this collective spirit.
The Prime Minister reflected on the personal significance of the occasion, citing his birthplace Vadnagar’s Buddhist legacy and Varanasi’s spiritual prominence. He praised the Fourth King’s visionary leadership, which began at the age of 16 and spanned 34 years, transforming Bhutan through democratic reforms, cultural preservation, and the pioneering concept of Gross National Happiness—a globally recognized alternative to GDP-centric development.
Modi credited the Fourth King with laying the foundation for the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, a bond that continues to flourish under the leadership of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He recalled his first foreign visit to Bhutan in 2014 and underscored the emotional and strategic depth of bilateral ties, describing them as “a relationship of values, emotions, peace and progress.”
Energy cooperation featured prominently in Modi’s remarks. He lauded Bhutan’s achievement as the world’s first carbon-negative country and its leadership in renewable energy, generating 100% of its electricity from clean sources. He announced the launch of a new hydroelectric project exceeding 1,000 megawatts, boosting Bhutan’s capacity by 40%, and the resumption of another long-pending project. Modi also highlighted new agreements in solar energy, expanding the scope of sustainable collaboration.
Connectivity was another key theme. Modi revealed plans to link Bhutan’s cities Gelephu and Samtse to India’s railway network, enhancing market access for Bhutanese industries and farmers. He affirmed India’s support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative and announced the establishment of an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to facilitate travel and investment.
Modi reiterated India’s ₹10,000 crore support package for Bhutan’s Five Year Plan, covering sectors from infrastructure to healthcare. He noted efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods and the expansion of UPI services for Bhutanese citizens, both in Bhutan and during visits to India.
Youth empowerment emerged as a shared priority. Modi praised Bhutan’s initiatives in national service and innovation, and celebrated joint ventures between Indian and Bhutanese youth, including a collaborative satellite project. He emphasized that the emotional bond between the peoples of both nations is the bedrock of bilateral strength.
Concluding his address, Modi announced India’s provision of land for a Bhutanese temple and guest house in Varanasi, following the inauguration of the Royal Bhutanese Temple in Rajgir. He described these cultural exchanges as vital reinforcements of historic ties and expressed hope that India and Bhutan continue on their shared path of peace, prosperity, and progress, under the blessings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche.
