- India, Bhutan share a bond of culture, compassion, and collective progress, says PM
- Reaffirms India’s support for Bhutan’s sustainable growth, connectivity and youth-led innovation
- Says those behind Delhi’s horrific incident ‘will not be spared’; vows justice for victims
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, NOV 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a special commemorative event in Thimphu, Bhutan, marking the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, where he lauded the Himalayan nation’s exemplary progress in sustainability and happiness-based governance while reaffirming India’s steadfast partnership.
Calling Bhutan a “nation of peace, spirituality, and inspiration,” the Prime Minister underscored the centuries-old cultural and emotional bonds between India and Bhutan, rooted in shared values of compassion, peace, and development. “India and Bhutan are not just connected by borders — our relationship is one of values, emotions, peace and progress,” he said.
However, PM Modi began his address on a solemn note, referring to the tragic incident in Delhi on Monday evening, which he said had “disturbed the entire nation.” Expressing grief and solidarity with the victims’ families, he assured that India’s investigative agencies “will get to the bottom of this conspiracy” and that “the perpetrators will not be spared.”
Bhutan’s ‘Gross National Happiness’ a guiding light for the world
Prime Minister Modi paid rich tributes to His Majesty the Fourth King, describing him as “a visionary leader whose life reflects wisdom, humility, and selfless service.” He said the concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’ introduced by the King had become a global benchmark for inclusive growth and human well-being.
“His Majesty showed the world that nation-building is not only about GDP but about the welfare of humanity,” Modi said, adding that Bhutan’s leadership in environmental stewardship — being the world’s first carbon-negative country — was “an extraordinary achievement.”
He highlighted Bhutan’s renewable energy success, noting that the country now generates 100% of its electricity from clean sources, with India and Bhutan jointly expanding capacity through new hydropower and solar projects. A new 1,000 MW hydropower plant, he said, would raise Bhutan’s generation capacity by 40%.
Connectivity, cooperation, and youth — pillars of Indo-Bhutan friendship
Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for Bhutan’s sustainable development and connectivity goals, announcing the expansion of the Indian railway network to Gelephu and Samtse, which would open vast opportunities for trade and tourism.
“Connectivity creates opportunity, and opportunity creates prosperity,” he remarked, emphasizing that India’s ₹10,000 crore support package for Bhutan’s Five-Year Plan would continue to uplift sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
He further announced that India would soon set up an immigration checkpoint near Gelephu to facilitate the movement of tourists and investors, alongside enhancing UPI digital payment systems for easier cross-border transactions.
India-Bhutan relations anchored in shared heritage
Highlighting the spiritual depth of India-Bhutan ties, Modi noted that the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu coincided with the sacred display of Lord Buddha’s Piprahwa relics and invoked India’s timeless philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. He expressed hope that “the lamp of peace may illuminate every home in Bhutan and the world.”
He announced that India would provide land in Varanasi for the construction of a Bhutanese temple and guest house, further deepening cultural and spiritual exchanges.
‘Together on the path of peace and progress’
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi extended warm greetings to His Majesty the Fourth King and the Royal Family of Bhutan, while congratulating the Bhutanese people for their remarkable achievements in harmony and sustainability.
“May India and Bhutan continue on the path of peace, prosperity, and shared progress,” he said, affirming that the two neighbours would remain “partners in trust, tradition, and transformation.”
The event was attended by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, members of the Royal Family, and distinguished dignitaries, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two Himalayan neighbours.
