PM, Bhutan King hold bilateral talks to deepen ties

Thimphu, Nov 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Thimphu, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the close partnership between India and Bhutan.

They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key areas and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the guiding vision of successive Druk Gyalpos in fostering the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The King, in turn, thanked India for its steadfast support in Bhutan’s socio-economic development. Both leaders offered prayers before the Holy Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India, currently enshrined at the Grand Kuenrey Hall in Tashichhodzong. The exposition coincides with the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s Fourth King and the Global Peace Prayer festival, organized for global peace and happiness.

Prime Minister Modi and King Wangchuck jointly inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, marking a new milestone in India-Bhutan energy cooperation. The project is expected to bring substantial benefits to communities in both countries. The two sides also witnessed the exchange of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in renewable energy, mental health services, and healthcare. On this occasion, India announced a concessional Line of Credit worth Rs 4000 crore to Bhutan for financing new energy projects.